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Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Texas at Dallas
$45,000 DOQ
medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, retirement plan, remote work
United States, Texas, Richardson
Oct 16, 2025
Posting Details
Posting Details


















Posting Number S06676P
Position Title Postdoctoral Research Associate
Functional Title Postdoctoral Research Associate
Department Materials Science and Engineering
Salary Range $45,000 DOQ
Pay Basis Monthly
Position Status Regular full-time
Location Richardson
Position End Date (if temporary)
Posting Open Date 10/16/2025
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Desired Start Date 11/10/2025
Job Summary
Looking for a post-doctoral Research Associate to perform full-time mathematical research with the goal of developing a practical yet rigorous mathematical framework for quantum mechanics. The researcher is expected to make contributions in the fields of functional analysis, complex analysis, spectral theory, and partial-differential equations, but also applications in number theory are of interest.

Typically, the theory of quantum mechanics relies on the Hilbert space of square-integrable functions (L2) but when the domain space is not compact (e.g. L2), or the potential is singular, the eigenfunctions are not contained in the Hilbert space (e.g. e^(ikx)). In spectral theory, the absence of eigenvectors in the Hilbert space is typically circumvented by using a projection-valued measure. In the field of topological vector spaces, the problem is addressed using the nuclear spectral theorem which is set in the rigged Hilbert space (Gelfand's triple) but the requirements imposed on the Schrodinger operator are non-trivial. Finally, the theory of non self-adjoint operators is very poorly developed. Current practice in physics is typically to ignore mathematical rigor because an easily accessible mathematical theory is lacking.

Our goal is to develop a mathematically rigorous framework applicable to the Schrodinger equation where eigenvectors are tempered distributions (topological dual of the Schwartz space). The developed framework should be mathematically rigorous yet accessible to the physics community and applicable to existing problems in physics. As applications, open problems in the field of number theory, such as the Dirichlet divisor problem, the Riemann hypothesis (e.g., through the Hilbert-Polya conjecture) are also of interest.

The position would have weekly meetings with prof. William Vandenberghe to discuss research progress and novel research directions.

If interested, the research associate can also:
*participate in research in physics, materials science, or electrical engineering relating to electron transport at the nanoscale.
*Supervise Ph.D. students in Materials Science, Physics, and Electrical Engineering
*Participate in teaching mathematics to undergraduate engineering students
Minimum Education and Experience
Ph.D in a related field.
Preferred Education and Experience
Ph.D. in Mathematics
Other Qualifications
To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Conduct full-time mathematical research focused on developing a rigorous and practical mathematical framework for quantum mechanics.
  • Contribute to theoretical advancements in functional analysis, complex analysis, spectral theory, and partial differential equations.
  • Explore and apply mathematical methods to problems in number theory, such as the Dirichlet divisor problem and the Riemann hypothesis.
  • Ensure the developed mathematical framework remains accessible and applicable to the physics community.
  • Collaborate with and report research progress to Professor William Vandenberghe through weekly meetings.
  • Identify and investigate novel research directions related to quantum mechanics and mathematical physics.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Physical Activities
Working Conditions
Additional Information
A remote work schedule is not available for this position.

What We Can Offer
UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package that is effective as of your hire date includes:

  • Competitive Salary
  • Tuition Benefits
  • Internal Training

  • BCBS PPO Medical insurance - 100% paid for full-time employees

  • PPO and DHMO Dental Insurance Plan - PPO plans include ortho benefits
  • Vision Insurance
  • Long and short-term disability

  • TRS Retirement Plan - defined benefit plan offering lifetime annuity upon retirement
  • Voluntary Retirement Plan Options - additional savings opportunities with Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plans and Deferred Compensation Plans
  • Dental/Vision/AD&D
  • Paid time off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Winter Break
  • Fertility Benefits


All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.
Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information.
If you are looking for a rewarding career opportunity with great benefits? Look no further! Join our team!
Special Instructions Summary
Important Message
1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator . For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.
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