Physics/Math Postdoc

About Wolfram Institute

The Wolfram Institute for Computational Foundations of Science is a non-profit research organization for the computational approach to fundamental science. Our goal is to develop research programs that are theoretically sound and computationally operable in areas including, but not limited to, physics, mathematics, biology, computer science, AI, economics, philosophy and more.

Physics/Math Postdoc

About the Position

Position Type: Fully remote, flexible full‑time, with in-person option in Boston area

Duration: 1 year, extensible to 2 years

Position Start: As soon as possible

Funding Source: John Templeton Foundation

The Wolfram Institute is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to combine modern methods from mathematical physics with computational methods to investigate the discrete computational models of fundamental physics introduced in Wolfram Physics Project ( www.wolframphysics.org ).

We are looking for researchers driven by fundamental questions who can work on intense, intellectually rigorous projects and deliver creative results within a defined overall framework.

Research Directions

Current projects include:

* Infrageometry: Build a mathematical structure analogous to traditional geometry etc. but on top of limits of hypergraphs rather than Euclidean space.

* General Relativistic Correspondence: Do explicit simulations of large-scale limits of hypergraph rewriting, understanding their correspondence and deviations from standard General Relativity.

* Sub Quantum Field Theory: Explore the correspondence between multiway causal graphs and toy (and lower-level) versions of Feynman diagrams.

* Experimental Implications: Search for situations (e.g. dimension fluctuations) where effects from our models are visible, and automatically mine existing literature for cases where such effects have been investigated.

* Connections to other approaches: Applicants may bring colorful expertise (spin networks, string theory, AdS/CFT, information geometry, category theory, ... ) and explore how its core ideas manifest in our computational universe.

Expected Output

* Papers connecting our approach to other approaches

* Computational tools and paclets (https://github.com/WolframInstitute)

* Contributions to writing projects (https://writings.stephenwolfram.com/)

* Academic representation and collaboration

Qualifications

* PhD in mathematics or physics

* Strong theoretical background and broad knowledge of modern mathematical physics

* Genuine interest in our research directions and methods

* Ability to participate in intense coworking sessions and deliver results on agreed objectives

* Proficiency in Wolfram Language

What we offer

* Involvement in fast-paced strategic fundamental research

* Interaction with Stephen Wolfram and other researchers at Wolfram Institute

* Collaboration with experienced Wolfram programmers and researchers

* Exposure to state-of-the-art technologies and cutting-edge ideas

* Opportunities to mentor at Wolfram Summer and Winter School

Application Requirements:

* Cover letter explaining your interest in the position, the research areas you would be most excited to explore, your scientific aspirations, and how your background prepares you for this work

* CV with a list of academic publications (including preprints) as well as relevant technical experience and skills

* Link to a representative computational project of yours or a code sample in Wolfram Language

* Contact information for senior referee(s) who can speak to your research or computational abilities (relevant at later stages of the application process)