Research Scientist
About The Position
The Department of Mathematical Sciences at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) seeks applicants for a Research Scientist in mathematical science to begin in the Summer of 2026. These positions are focused on computational biomechanics. The successful applicants are expected to work with Prof. Min Wu’s research team and develop a robust research program. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Mathematics, Mathematical/Computational Biology or related area. This is a research position that will be housed in Mathematical Sciences, and advised by Prof. Wu who has joint appoints in Mathematical Sciences and Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. The department has over 40 faculty and postdocs. Our undergraduate programs in Mathematical Sciences and Actuarial Mathematics have approximately 100 students and our graduate programs have over 100 students. At the graduate level, we have several master’s programs (Applied Statistics, Applied Mathematics, and Industrial Mathematics) and we offer PhDs in Mathematical Sciences and Statistics. The department has a strong reputation for its cutting-edge interdisciplinary research and for its successful programs addressing mathematical and statistical problems in industry, with a Center for Industrial Mathematics and Statistics (CIMS). The intended position will be part of a large research program in Prof. Wu’s group that spans mathematics, nonlinear mechanics, cell wall biology, and large-scale tissue growth and morphogenesis. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to an existing research project focusing on nonlinear simulations of growth-induced morphogenesis. While previous expertise in growth-related modeling and computation is not required, some familiarity with finite elasticity would be helpful. Experience in numerical methods in solving continuum mechanical models and/or nonlinear elliptic PDEs are essential, with a particular focus of simulating the growth and deformation of a thin with internal modeling mechanism. The methods are expected to be implemented using high performance computing systems at WPI. WPI's reputation as a rigorous and innovative university rests on the shoulders of its faculty. A highly selective, private technological university and one of the nation's first, WPI believes that when great minds work together, great advances follow. At WPI the boundaries to multidisciplinary collaboration are low. Faculty members, students, and other partners work together on the real-world projects and purposeful research that are hallmarks of the WPI experience. WPI is consistently ranked among the top 70 research institutions by US News & World Report. Located one hour west of Boston, the university's campus is in Worcester, Massachusetts, a thriving 21st century college city recognized as a growing hub of scientific and technological innovation. Qualified applicants should submit a single pdf that contains (1) a cover letter (2) a curriculum vitae (3) a teaching statement and (4) a statement of research objectives that includes a section on how the applicant's research would benefit from the department's research activities and identifies potential collaborators or mentors within the department. Four letters of recommendation, at least one of which addresses teaching experience or potential, should be sent to [email protected] with the applicant name and position being applied to in the subject line. Salary is $66,000 annually. This is an on-site externally funded position contingent upon the continued availability of external funding.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Mathematics, Mathematical/Computational Biology or related area.
- Experience in numerical methods in solving continuum mechanical models and/or nonlinear elliptic PDEs are essential, with a particular focus of simulating the growth and deformation of a thin with internal modeling mechanism.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with finite elasticity would be helpful.
- Previous expertise in growth-related modeling and computation is not required
Responsibilities
- Work with Prof. Min Wu’s research team and develop a robust research program.
- Contribute to an existing research project focusing on nonlinear simulations of growth-induced morphogenesis.
- Implement methods using high performance computing systems at WPI.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
