Summer Research Assistant/Associate, Center for Computational Mathematics

New York, NY     ·     Full time

Position Summary

Applications are invited for paid, full-time research internships at the Center for Computational Mathematics (CCM) in all our active areas of research. CCM is one of five centers of the Flatiron Institute, an internal research division of the Simons Foundation.  Our mission at CCM is to create new mathematical approaches, algorithms and software to advance scientific research in multiple disciplines, often in collaboration with other Flatiron Centers. 

Tremendous opportunities exist at the intersection of mathematics, computer science, statistics, and their scientific applications, with the lines between theory, algorithm development and software implementation often blurred. Beyond the creation of new simulation and analysis methods, a major goal of CCM is to make these methods available to the scientific community. The Center also hosts an array of meetings, workshops and conferences, serving as a focal point for the field internationally.

The Flatiron Institute is located in New York City, and also hosts the Center for Computational Astrophysics, Center for Computational Biology, Center for Computational Quantum Physics, Center for Computational Neuroscience, and a Scientific Computing Core dedicated to high performance computing.

Our active areas of research include:

• numerical analysis and partial differential equations
• high performance computing and software libraries
• signal and image processing, with a particular focus on cryo-electron microscopy
• computational physics, chemistry and biology, including: statistical mechanics, biophysics, fluid mechanics, molecular dynamics, and quantum many-body physics
• machine learning for scientific applications
• probabilistic and differential programming
• statistical methodology, modeling, and inference
• mathematics, algorithms, and optimization for deep neural networks
• open-source scientific software development (e.g., the Stan probabilistic programming language, Python package kymatio for wavelet scattering, FINUFFT for nonuniform fast Fourier transforms, SpikeForest for neural spike sorting, etc.)

The summer 2022 internship period runs from early June through mid August.  The internships will be in person if COVID-19 conditions permit;  Simons Foundation follows strict health guidelines including those recommended by the CDC, NY state, and NYC, and continues to update them based on current developments.

Interns will report to research scientists, project/group leaders or research fellows, as appropriate. They are encouraged to participate in the Institute’s vibrant activities such as workshops and seminars.  We cover transportation to New York, and, if eligible, housing within walking distance of the Simons Foundation’s offices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student in applied or pure mathematics, computer science, statistics, or the physical sciences.

Helpful Experience

• Undergrad-level linear algebra, real analysis, probability and statistics
• Coursework in differential equations (preferably PDEs), numerical analysis, machine learning, signal processing, molecular dynamics, or probability and statistics, depending on area of interest
• Writing documented and tested code in a programming language such as C++, Fortran, MATLAB, Python, R, or Julia, a probabilistic programming language such as Stan, Turing.jl or NumPyro, or a machine learning framework such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX; experience with parallel (OpenMP, MPI) or GPU code is a bonus
• Modern version control systems such as Git and platforms such as GitHub

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

• Curriculum vitae
• If available, please include GitHub or other code links
• Transcript indicating completed courses

Deadlines

• We will start reviewing applications on February 1, 2022 and decisions will be made in March 2022
• Summer 2022 Internship period: early June through mid August (10 weeks)

THE SIMONS FOUNDATION’S DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. The Simons Foundation actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.

About Us

The Simons Foundation is a private foundation established in 1994 in New York City by Jim and Marilyn Simons. With an annual grants and programs budget of $450 million, the foundation’s mission is to advance the frontiers of research in mathematics and the basic sciences.

The foundation pursues its mission through its grant-making division, comprising programs in Mathematics & Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Education & Outreach and autism research, and through its internal research division, the Flatiron Institute.

The Mathematics & Physical Sciences program supports work in mathematics, theoretical computer science and theoretical physics. The Life Sciences program works to advance basic research in life sciences, with, among other efforts, large grant programs in ocean ecology and in the origins of life.

The Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) is a campaign that aims to improve the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of autism by funding innovative research of the highest quality and relevance. SFARI also supports the editorially independent autism research news site Spectrum.

In 2016, the foundation launched the Flatiron Institute (FI), a multidisciplinary institute whose mission is to advance scientific research through computational methods, including data analysis, modeling and simulation. The FI hosts scientists and collaborating expert programmers who work to create, deploy and support new state-of-the-art computational methods.

Outreach & Education supports and promotes scientific literacy in society generally. Specifically, the program supports the nonprofit Math for America and the independent science news site, Quanta Magazine. This program’s Science Sandbox initiative seeks to unlock scientific thinking in all people, so that science becomes a more integral part of culture.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.

SIMONS FOUNDATION’S DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. The Simons Foundation actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.

Please click here to apply.