Postdoctoral Fellow In Mathematics
Description
A postdoctoral position in mathematics is available for a research project at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar. The research focuses on vector-valued free boundary problems, systems of variational inequalities, and interconnected partial differential equations (PDEs) arising in mathematical models with multiple interacting components. These problems appear naturally in areas such as optimal switching, mean-field game theory, multi-phase systems, and multi-membrane problems.
The appointment is for one year and is renewable for up to three years based on performance and continued funding. The position is located in Doha, Qatar, with a preferred starting date of September 2026 or later.
Research areas
The project will be under the supervision of Dr. Layan El Hajj and will be conducted in collaboration with leading international researchers in the field. It aims to contribute significantly to a rapidly developing area of analysis and partial differential equations. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of a comprehensive mathematical framework for vector-valued free boundary problems and interconnected systems of variational inequalities.
The project aims to advance the mathematical theory of vector-valued free boundary problems by investigating the existence, regularity, stability, uniqueness, and geometric properties of solutions and their associated free boundaries. Emphasis will be placed on weakly and strongly coupled systems of variational and non-variational PDEs, including settings where solutions may fail to be continuous.
About CMU in Qatar
Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar operates in concert with several other American and European branch campuses under the umbrella of Qatar Foundation’s Education City. The branch campus closely follows the admissions requirements and English-language curriculum of the home campus in Pittsburgh, USA, which awards all degrees. The several thousand students in Education City represent a diverse international community, primarily from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.
Faculty include both locally appointed scholars and faculty seconded from the Pittsburgh campus. The primary focus is undergraduate education in business administration, biological sciences, computer science, and information systems.
Qualifications
PhD in mathematics or a closely related field.
Strong background in partial differential equations (PDEs), free boundary problems, calculus of variations, geometric analysis, or related areas.
Demonstrated research potential through publications or preprints in relevant fields.
Ability to conduct independent research and collaborate effectively within an international research team.
Experience with free boundary problems, variational inequalities, obstacle problems, or nonlinear PDEs is highly desirable.
Familiarity with numerical methods for PDEs, scientific computing, or computational aspects of free boundary problems is an advantage.
Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
Application instructions
Interested candidates should submit their applications electronically including:
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Publication list
Research statement: brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests, and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals (maximum two pages)
Contact information for at least three references
Two recommendation letters directly submitted by reviewers
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The position offers a competitive salary, housing allowances, and other benefit packages.
Equal employment opportunity statement
Carnegie Mellon University is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or related condition, family status, marital status, parental status, religion, ancestry, veteran status, or genetic information.
Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state, or local laws or executive orders.