Postdoctoral Research Associate

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.

Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.

UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

The mission of the Department of Mathematics is to extend the frontiers of mathematical knowledge and the ways it is used in the real world, to disseminate that knowledge and to train the next generation of teachers and researchers, as well as those choosing careers with industry or government. The Department is committed to building and nourishing interactions with other units across the UNC campus and with academic and industrial partners in North Carolina's Research Triangle region, throughout the State and across the Nation. The Department maintains a strong research program as well as a comprehensive educational program. An active, healthy research environment is essential for training graduate students and enlivens undergraduate teaching by bringing students into contact with new and relevant mathematics, fostering fundamental mathematical skills and appreciation, and encouraging students to become the next generation of researchers and educators.

The Department of Mathematics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a postdoctoral position in the Algebra-Geometry-Topology group, with a focus on Geometric Representation Theory and related areas at the interface of Algebraic Geometry, Representation Theory, and the mathematical aspects of String Theory. We seek a collaborative and motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong background and active interest in areas such as: Categorical braid group actions, Categorification of Lie algebras via algebraic geometry, Link homology from an algebro-geometric perspective, Coherent sheaves on Nakajima quiver varieties and affine Grassmannians, Quasi-map moduli spaces and their applications in representation theory, Interactions between the above topics and string-theoretic frameworks. This one-year appointment has the possibility of renewal for an additional year.

A Ph.D. in Mathematics or Theoretical Physics (with research relevant to string theory or quantum field theory)

A Ph.D. in Mathematics or Theoretical Physics (with research relevant to string theory or quantum field theory)

Have expertise in or a strong foundation in coherent sheaves, quiver varieties, affine Grassmannians and quasi-map moduli spaces. Have interest in the mathematical structures arising in string theory and supersymmetric quantum field theory. Show evidence of creativity and independence.

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here Applicants must apply online at https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/309243

In addition to the information requested by the UNC website, applicants should post the following at www.mathjobs.org:

(1) The AMS Standard Cover Sheet (online form)
(2) A curriculum vitae
(3) A research statement outlining your interests and relevant work
(4) Three letters of recommendation

Note that candidates must apply at both the UNC website and MathJobs in order to be considered for the position. The UNC website will request a list of references. Letters of recommendation only need to be uploaded to MathJobs. Applications received by January 15, 2026 will get complete consideration. After that, applications will be reviewed on a continuing basis until the position is filled. For inquiries, please contact Prof. Lev Rozansky at: rozansky@unc.edu (Include "Postdoctoral Position" in the subject line).

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.

Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.