Research Scientist/Research Scientist

Description

Organizational Overview

The Simons Foundation is a private foundation established in 1994 in New York City by Jim and Marilyn Simons. With an annual grants and programs budget of $450 million, the foundation's mission is to advance the frontiers of research in mathematics and the basic sciences.

In 2016, the Foundation launched the Flatiron Institute (FI), a multidisciplinary institute whose mission is to advance scientific research through computational methods, including data analysis, modeling and simulation. The FI hosts scientists, applied mathematicians, and collaborating expert programmers who work to create, deploy and support new state-of-the-art computational methods.

Position Summary

Applications are invited for scientists at all levels of seniority at the Center for Computational Mathematics (CCM), in the Flatiron Institute, in all our active areas of research. These include:

• Machine learning, especially the areas of optimization, learning theory, probabilistic modeling, deep learning, and high dimensional data analysis, as well as applications of scientific interest at Flatiron (e.g., cosmological modeling, quantum many-body systems, computational neuroscience)

• Statistical methodology, modeling, and inference

• Probabilistic and differential programming

• Computational physics, including statistical mechanics, biophysics, fluid mechanics, quantum physics, and molecular dynamics

• Numerical methods for partial differential equations and integral equations

• Signal and image processing, with a particular focus on structural biology

• Numerical analysis, including numerical linear algebra and high-order methods

• High performance computing and open source software libraries

(For a full description of CCM research areas and scientific staff, please see our website.)

Research Scientists and Research Scientists-Software are expected to lead active research programs at the forefront of their fields internationally, including dissemination of results through scientific publications, conferences, and/or software. They also are expected to interact with other researchers in CCM, across the Flatiron Institute, and in the wider scientific community, as well as supervise/mentor postdoctoral fellows and undergraduate/graduate student interns. They are encouraged to participate in and shape the vibrant activities of the institute such as workshops and seminars. They receive a research budget, participate in the selection and review of research staff, software engineers, and postdoctoral fellows within CCM, and have access to the institute's powerful scientific computing resources.

Positions will be based, and have a principal office or workspace, at the Simons Foundation's offices in New York City. The anticipated start date is between July and October 2026, but is flexible.

Tremendous opportunities exist at the intersection of mathematics, computer science, statistics, and their scientific applications, with the lines between theory, algorithm development and software implementation often blurred. Thus, a major goal of CCM is to develop the next generation of simulation and analysis methods and to make them available to the scientific community. The center also hosts an array of meetings, workshops, conferences, and visitors, serving as a focal point for the field internationally. The center has around 50 members.

The Flatiron Institute also hosts computational centers for astrophysics, biology, quantum physics, and neuroscience. CCM encourages collaboration with these centers, and some      positions may be joint between CCM and another center. If you believe such a joint position could be appropriate for you, please indicate this in your research statement.

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• A doctoral degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., computer science, statistics, mathematics, or science application area)

• For Research/Data Scientists: 3 years of academic or industry experience

• For Senior Research/Data Scientists: 10-15 years of academic or industry experience

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Demonstrated abilities in mathematical or statistical analysis, software and algorithm development, modeling and/or scientific simulation

• Ability to work independently and to collaborate on multidisciplinary research in a collegial environment

• Effective leadership, management and communication skills

Application Instructions

Required Application Materials

• Curriculum vitae which includes publication list and, if relevant, links to software

• Research statement outlining past accomplishments, current interests, and future goals

• Three (3) names and emails of people who can be consulted for confidential references (to be entered into the online application form).

Deadline

• Applications should be received by or on January 15, 2026.

Compensation and Benefits

• The full-time annual compensation range for the Research/Research Scientist - Software position is $155,000 to $215,000 and the compensation range for the Senior Research/Research Scientist-Software position is $250,000 - $315,000, depending on experience.

• In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides employees with an
  outstanding benefits package

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science & Opportunities for All:

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of our mission, we support partners, programs, and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways to science and mathematics careers.

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law