Annual salary: $65,000-70,000/year, fiscal year appointment

The School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences (SMNS), part of the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU) invites applications for two postdoctoral scholar positions in the area of mathematical modeling to work with Dr. Nina Fefferman. The first position will focus on modeling dynamics of/on networks with higher-order interactions. This will be in collaboration with an NSF-funded ASU-UCLA team using ants as a model system and developing theory to characterize dynamic processes on networks as complex contagions on higher-order structures (e.g., hypergraphs and simplicial sets). The work will focus on mathematical modeling with a special focus on network science and complex systems, but a strong modeling background is more important than experience in any particular prior disciplinary focus. The second position will focus on economic epidemiology and mathematical modeling and will be in collaboration with an NSF-funded team working explicitly to understand the impact of economic and behavioral decisions on outbreak risks within a wildlife trade network context. Again, a strong modeling background and some understanding of game theory will be more important than particular disciplinary focus. The positions will also have close ties to the US NSF Center for Analysis and Prediction of Pandemic Expansion (APPEX) which is also based at SMNS at ASU.

Each researcher will also have the option to participate in undergraduate teaching, if desired.

At the core of the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences (SMNS) is the opportunity for you to work side-by-side with faculty, conducting authentic research in STEM disciplines. We seek to infuse our students and the greater community with the ideals of impact, excellence, and access. We strive to create an inclusive student experience with extensive interdisciplinary opportunities. https://newcollege.asu.edu/smns.

About the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences

At ASU’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, we take pride in breaking down disciplinary barriers, cultivating an environment where innovative research flourishes. Our faculty are not just educators; they are trailblazers in their fields, consistently expanding the frontiers of knowledge. We invite you to join this dynamic community, where you will lead and engage in pioneering projects that redefine academic excellence.

Our interdisciplinary approach offers you unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth. By joining our faculty, you’re not just advancing your career; you’re shaping the future of education and research in meaningful ways. You’ll be empowered to innovate and address complex global challenges, all while preparing the next generation of leaders. We are committed to supporting and guiding you throughout your academic journey, ensuring that your contributions are impactful and transformative. For more information visit us at https://newcollege.asu.edu/.

New College is located on ASU’s West Valley campus, blending a liberal arts education with 21st-century workforce preparation and a learning hub for students of all ages and backgrounds supporting the rapid growth of its surrounding 14 communities. Integrating modern amenities with the natural beauty of outdoor spaces, the West Valley campus offers over 125 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across business, engineering, education, and the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.

About Arizona State University

Arizona State University, ranked the No. 1 “Most Innovative School” in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for eleven years in succession, has forged the model for a New American University. Year after year, ASU ranks at or near the top of the list in areas that matter. ASU is a comprehensive public research institution, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves. ASU operates on the principles that learning is a personal and original journey for each student; that they thrive on experience and that the process of discovery cannot be bound by traditional academic disciplines. Through innovation and a commitment to accessibility, ASU has drawn pioneering researchers to its faculty even as it expands opportunities for qualified students, attracting some of the highest- quality students from all 50 states and more than 130 nations. To learn more about ASU, visit http://www.asu.edu.

All we do at ASU is guided and inspired by the ASU Charter, which reads:

ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.

Successful candidates will demonstrate throughout their materials how their teaching, research, and service will contribute to the fulfillment of this charter.

Essential Functions of the Position

· Conduct research in the area of mathematical modeling in network science

· Prepare research outputs for dissemination (e.g., talks, papers, etc.)

· Participate in an interdisciplinary research team

Successful candidates will be effective communicators who engage in productive scholarship and may be asked to perform duties common to academic personnel including grant writing, mentoring students, or participate in faculty meetings.

Minimum Qualifications:

● Ph.D. or terminal degree in mathematics, economics, physics, engineering, epidemiology, or related field at the time of appointment

● The candidate must be within five years from receipt of the terminal degree

Desired Qualifications:

· Demonstrated commitment to working successfully with students from a wide variety of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, including first-generation college students

· Demonstrated experience in design, implementation, analysis, and communication of mathematical models

· Demonstrated experience in programming in some widely adopted modeling language (e.g., R, Python, Matlab, etc.)

· Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in STEM teams

· Experience in the preparation and publication/presentation of academic research in journals and conferences

· Experience in undergraduate course design or instruction in a STEM field

This position is located at Arizona State University’s West Valley campus. All postdoctoral positions are for one year. Options for an additional year(s) of funding may be offered, depending on progress and needs of the school and/or university.

The initial application deadline is April 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled or closed. A background check and official transcripts are required prior to employment. For assistance with your application or position-related questions, please contact Norma Perú-Ray at Norma.Peru-Ray@asu.edu.

Application Procedure:

Only electronic submissions via Interfolio will be reviewed. All required materials must be submitted at the time of initial application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please submit all application materials to https://apply.interfolio.com/183249.

Applications must contain:

· A cover letter describing how the candidate meets the required and desired qualifications listed above and why they are interested in the position

· A curriculum vitae with contact information, including telephone number and e-mail address

· Contact information for three professional references (their position, title, e-mail, phone number), one reference must be from your current employer or academic supervisor

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon the successful passing of the background check.