Assistant Professor of Mathematics

SIAM Activity Group; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Mathematics to begin August 2027. The appointee should be broadly trained in applied mathematics with a commitment to teaching excellence and will pursue research in computational/applied mathematics, data science, optimization, machine learning, or related areas.

The position is in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, within the College of Letters & Science, offering teaching at multiple levels and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in mathematics or a closely related field by start date.
• Demonstrated research potential in computational or applied mathematics.
• Demonstrated teaching potential in mathematics.
• Demonstrated potential to mentor and advise undergraduate and graduate students.

Responsibilities

• Research responsibilities include conducting a research program that results in publications and seeking external funding.
• Instructional responsibilities include teaching lower division, upper division, and graduate courses in mathematics; advising undergraduate and graduate students.
• Service includes department, college, and university committee work and professional engagement.

Skills

Computational mathematics

Applied mathematics

Teaching potential

Mentoring students

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in mathematics or closely related field

Job description

Brief Position Overview:
The Department of Mathematical Sciences at Montana State University (MSU) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Mathematics, to begin August 2027. We seek candidates who are broadly trained in applied mathematics and who have a commitment to excellence in teaching. We seek colleagues with research interests in any area of applied mathematics, including computational and applied mathematics, mathematical biology, modeling and analysis of complex data and physical systems, mathematical optimization, machine learning, or data science.

Faculty Rank: Assistant Professor

Division: College of Letters & Science

Contract Term: Academic Year

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligibility: Eligible

Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

Position Details
General Statement:
Montana State University is a land-grant institution committed to achievement in research. The Department of Mathematical Sciences has a lively research culture, including M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Mathematics and Statistics. The faculty in the department comprises three disciplinary groups: Mathematics, Statistics, and Mathematics Education. The mathematics group includes both pure and applied mathematicians, with research areas ranging from mathematical biology, numerical PDEs, and optimization, to quantum topology, mathematical physics, complex analysis, and dynamical systems. We seek candidates who will complement and extend these research areas.

We seek individuals who work professionally and effectively with individuals from all backgrounds, possess effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills and have the ability to contribute positively to the academic success of the students and the mission of Montana State University.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills:

• Ph.D. in mathematics or a closely related field by start date.
• Demonstrated research potential in computational or applied mathematics.
• Demonstrated teaching potential in mathematics.
• Demonstrated potential to mentor and advise undergraduate and graduate students.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• An active research program in computational or applied mathematics.
• Demonstrated potential to develop an independent research program.
• Demonstrated potential to secure external research funding.
• Demonstrated experience teaching at the lower-division, upper-division, and graduate levels.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring students, particularly at the graduate level. Experience or interest in interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers in other scientific disciplines.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information:
Ph.D. must be earned by August 14, 2027. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Physical Demands:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

The Department
The Department of Mathematical Sciences is recognized as a leading department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Mathematics Education. Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral graduates in all of these areas are following successful careers in industry, government, and academia. Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, 80 miles north of Yellowstone National Park, we offer outstanding educational opportunities in an area of exquisitely beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation. Our department has a multifaceted role on campus and in Montana. We have the largest instructional component on campus, delivering about 10% of the total student credit hours. We offer a B.S. in Mathematics with options in mathematics, applied mathematics, mathematics teaching, and statistics; an M.S. in Mathematics with options in Mathematics and Mathematics Education; an M.S. in Statistics; a Ph.D. in Mathematics and a Ph.D. in Mathematics with an emphasis in Mathematics Education; and a Ph.D. in Statistics. The mathematics education option for the M.S. in Mathematics is an online program.

The College:
The College of Letters and Science (CLS), the largest center for learning, teaching and research at Montana State University, offers students an excellent liberal arts and sciences education in nearly 50 majors, 25 minors and over 25 graduate degrees within the four areas of the humanities, social sciences, natural and physical sciences, and mathematical sciences.

Building on the great strength of our traditional disciplines, the college provides exciting opportunities for faculty and students at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary inquiry. CLS is dedicated to supporting student success, discovering and disseminating new knowledge, and providing an atmosphere in which discovery and learning are integrated and valued. CLS is at the confluence of intellectual tradition, discovery, and innovation.

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date: August 2027

Screening of applications will begin on November 2, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Duties and Responsibilities
Duties include research, teaching, and service. A commitment to excellence in teaching and an active research program are essential.

• Research responsibilities include conducting a research program that results in publication in high-quality venues and seeking external funding for research and projects.
• Instructional responsibilities include teaching lower division, upper division, and graduate courses in mathematics, as well as advising undergraduate and graduate students and supervising lower division courses.
• Service includes department, college, and university committee work, consulting with university scientists, and participation in local and national professional organizations.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Contribute to the department’s mission of providing outstanding teaching, research, and service, guided by the principle of using disciplinary tools to advance human flourishing.
• Possess strong oral and written communication skills and effective interpersonal skills.
• Collaborate effectively with students and faculty at MSU and with researchers across disciplines.
• Be committed to working with and engaging students and colleagues from all backgrounds within and beyond the department.