Physics/Math Postdoc

About the role

The Wolfram Institute for Computational Foundations of Science is a non-profit research organization dedicated to advancing fundamental science through computational methods. Our mission includes developing research programs in areas such as physics, mathematics, biology, computer science, AI, economics, and philosophy.

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

About The Position

We are 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 the Wolfram Physics Project (www.wolframphysics.org).

Research Directions

• Infrageometry: Build a mathematical structure analogous to traditional geometry but on top of limits of hypergraphs rather than Euclidean space.
• General Relativistic Correspondence: 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

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)