Postdoctoral Scholar position in Applied Mathematics / Mathematical Physics at Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, California, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

14 Mar, 26

Salary

85564.0

Posted On

14 Dec, 25

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Yes

Skills

Differential Equations, Operator Spectral Theory, Linear Vector Spaces, Differential Geometry, Boundary-Value Problems, Green’s Functions, Variational Techniques, Complex Analysis, Electromagnetic Field Theory, Numerical Electromagnetics, Scattering Matrix Theory, Wolfram Mathematica, Research, Self-Motivation, Teamwork, Deadline Management

Industry

Higher Education

Description

Position Title: Postdoctoral Scholar position in Applied Mathematics / Mathematical Physics and Electromagnetic (EM) Theory/Modeling Position Type: Fixed Term (Fixed Term) Salary Range: $62,232 - $85,564 Purpose: Applications are invited for a new Postdoctoral Scholar position in mathematical physics and electromagnetic (EM) theory/modeling, at the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, and in collaboration with the Applied Mathematics Department, Santa Clara University. This is an in-person position at Santa Clara University, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, California. The position is currently available for 24 months, with possible extension depending on the availability of funding. The start date is negotiable. We seek outstanding candidates who are experienced in, and excited about, conducting high-quality research in an area that combines applied mathematics/mathematical physics and electromagnetic analysis. The postdoctoral position will focus on developing a theoretical framework for the classification of characteristic perturbations in two-dimensional geometries that carry evolving boundary conditions or subdomain extractions. The geometrical effects will be applied to planar electromagnetic resonator geometries enclosed by Lipschitz-continuous boundaries. Utilization of variational techniques, geometry, level sets, topological derivatives, among other methods, are expected to be useful for modeling the spectral characteristics of these shapes under evolving perturbations. In addition to its theoretical and intellectual value, the research will benefit many applications, such as biomedical therapy, remote sensing, antenna/filter theory, and inverse problems in physics and engineering. Good working knowledge in most of the following topics is essential for this position: differential equations, operator spectral theory, linear vector spaces, differential geometry, boundary-value problems, Green’s functions, variational techniques, and complex analysis. The postdoctoral scholar will join Prof. Adham Naji’s research program at Santa Clara. Prof. Naji moved from Stanford University/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory to Santa Clara University in 2024, and is currently establishing his new research program in this area. His research interests focus on developing/adapting advanced mathematical techniques for applications in EM theory, radiofrequency (RF) analysis/design for wireless systems, wave scattering and propagation, and wave-particle dynamics in accelerator physics, among others. Preferred skills and qualifications: Applicants from diverse academic backgrounds (e.g. in physics, mathematics, engineering) with relevant skills are encouraged to apply. Knowledge of differential equations, operator spectral theory, boundary-value problems, functional and complex analysis, perturbation theory, variational techniques, and applied analysis will be useful for excelling in this work. Knowledge of electromagnetic field theory, numerical electromagnetics, scattering matrix theory, or simulating EM/RF structures in Ansys HFSS (or similar tools) is a plus. Experience or familiarity in writing your own codes in Wolfram Mathematica (or similar languages) is also a plus. The ability to work in a fast-paced research environment, independently or in a team, meeting internal or external deadlines, and be self-motivated to learn new skills/tools is important for success in this position. The postdoctoral scholar is expected to have completed a PhD in any of the following areas: RF/microwave engineering, theoretical physics, applied physics, mathematics, or a closely related field. They will have a promising track record of high-quality research, including journal publications. Applicants with traditional or nontraditional career pathways are encouraged to apply. The salary will follow the national NIH scales for postdoctoral scholars (with adjustments) and will be commensurate with the applicant's record/experience, in addition to benefits. The position is available for approximately 24 months (12 months initial appointment and then renewable up to 24 months). Possible extension beyond 24 months will depend on the availability of funding. How to apply: To submit your application for this position, two steps are needed: Step 1 – combine all the following documents as a single PDF file and put your Last name as the filename. This single file will be your application package: CV/Resume, including your full list of publications and your contact details. A statement of research interests (1 page max) highlighting how your previous experience and research interests are relevant, and why you would like to apply for this position. Include your preferred start date, if selected for this position. List of 3 references, with contact details. Include 1 publication sample that you are most proud of. Step 2 – send the single PDF above to Cathy Vu-Tang at cvutang@scu.edu with the email titled: "Podtdoc_application_Fall2025" Telecommute Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states. EEO Statement Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy or related conditions, reproductive health decisionmaking, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. For a complete copy of Santa Clara University’s equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website at https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/. Clery Notice of Availability Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please visit the Campus Safety Services website. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences. Americans with Disabilities Act Consistent with its obligations under the law, Santa Clara University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team at hraccommodations@scu.edu or by phone at (408)554-5750. Work Authorization: SCU will support applications for J-1, TN, E-3, or similar non-immigrant visas for foreign nationals who are appointed to this position in accordance with applicable legal requirements and University policy. Santa Clara University is a comprehensive Jesuit, Catholic university located in California’s Silicon Valley, offering its 8,800 students rigorous undergraduate curricula in arts and sciences, business, and engineering, plus master’s, Ph.D., and law degrees. Santa Clara University does not sponsor work visas for staff positions. If hired, as a condition of employment with the University, individuals must provide verification of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Santa Clara University offers a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees with programs and resources designed to promote and sustain personal health care, well-being, and the financial objectives of our employees and families. Visit our benefits page for more information.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral scholar will focus on developing a theoretical framework for the classification of characteristic perturbations in two-dimensional geometries with evolving boundary conditions. The research will also apply geometrical effects to planar electromagnetic resonator geometries.