math faculty members standing in fornt of wilson for a group photo

The College of Letters and Science at Montana State University seeks five tenure track faculty members across our participating departments with a demonstrated record of or potential for scholarly activity (research, teaching, service, and creative work) that promotes the wellness of underserved communities broadly defined. This cohort hiring initiative is part of a university commitment to support our diverse student body, faculty, and staff.(See Montana State University’s Diversity & Inclusion Framework and Strategic Plan: Choosing Promise.)We know that representation of a variety of backgrounds and perspectives is critical to a rich and vibrant scholarly community that supports our students’ learning and upholds our land grant mission.We envision a wide variety of scholars who qualify as contributing to this theme and are particularly interested in people from diverse academic backgrounds whose experiences will contribute to the excellence of the MSU community. We imagine candidates who focus on the wellness of underserved communities and whose scholarship may speak but is not limited to rural communities, the environment, community empowerment, community sustainability (environmental, governmental, or otherwise), health disparities (racial, gender, or rural), climate, and teaching pedagogy. 

As a participating department, the Department of Mathematical Sciences is searching for a scholar from any sub-field of mathematics or statistics, applied or theoretical, or mathematics or statistics education who focuses on the wellness of underserved communities. A scholar who extends or complements our strengths in modeling, equitable teaching practices, or any research area related to promoting wellness in underserved communities, broadly imagined, would be a welcome addition to our faculty. 

Department Overview 

Members of the Department of Mathematical Science conduct research, teaching, and outreach with the guiding principle of using the tools of our disciplines to advance human flourishing. Our research generates new knowledge in the Mathematical Sciences and supports intellectual discovery across disciplinary boundaries. Our teaching provides each and every student equitable access to mathematical and statistical knowledge for personal, professional, and societal advancement. Our outreach benefits communities across the state and beyond. 

We are a collegial and dedicated group of 26 tenure-track faculty members in the Mathematical Sciences, with research specialties in Mathematics (quantum topology, analysis, and dynamical systems); Applied Mathematics (mathematical biology, numerical methods, and machine learning); Mathematics Education (mathematical modeling education; teacher learning; and learning in calculus and precalculus); and Statistics (environmental and ecological statistics, statistics education, and statistical computing).The Department of Mathematical Sciences educates students pursuing degrees in Mathematics, Mathematics Education, Statistics, and Data Science, and plays a critical role in carrying out Montana State University’s mission to integrate education and the creation of knowledge in service to communities. Our courses contribute to the educational experiences of virtually all undergraduate students and many graduate students across the university community; we offer the largest instructional component of any department on campus, delivering about 10% of total student credit hours. We offer a robust set of degrees (a B.S. in Mathematics with options in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Mathematics Teaching, and Statistics; an M.S. in Mathematics with options in Mathematics and Mathematics Education; an M.S. in Data Science; an M.S. in Statistics; a Ph.D. in Mathematics and a Ph.D. in Mathematics with an emphasis in Mathematics Education; and a Ph.D. in Statistics and a Ph.D. in Statistics with an emphasis in Statistics Education). Faculty and graduate students pursue rigorous research agendas focused on the creation of knowledge within the mathematical sciences, regularly engage in cross-disciplinary research, collaborate with state agencies to improve education and resource management, and provide mathematical and statistical consulting to research scientists, University departments, businesses, government agencies, and school districts.  

A commitment to excellence in teaching and an active research program are essential. Candidates from any specialty area in the mathematical sciences are encouraged to apply. 

Instructional responsibilities include teaching lower division, upper division, and graduate courses in mathematics or statistics, as well as advising undergraduate and graduate students. Responsibilities also include supervising lower division mathematics or statistics courses. 

As a tenure-track faculty member, a successful applicant must be able to balance the demands of teaching and advising students, conducting a research program that results in publication in high-quality venues, and seeking external funding for research and projects. Faculty members also serve on master’s and doctoral committees and participate in department and university service activities.  

How to Submit Your Application

Applicants will apply online through the Applicant tracking system on the Montana State University Website at (https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/32831).  For any questions or additional information, please contact Katie Sutich, our Search Manager, at [email protected] or (406) 994-3603. She will be in direct contact with Elizabeth Burroughs, Professor and Head of the Department of Mathematical Sciences and Chair of the Department’s Cohort Hiring Committee.