Assistant Research Professor in Combinatorics and Related Areas

Position Description

Duke University — Durham, North Carolina, USA Anticipated start date: August 2027

Professor Fan Wei invites applications for a Phillip Griffiths Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Duke University. Applicants working in combinatorics, probability, related areas of pure mathematics, theoretical computer science, or the mathematical foundations of data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are encouraged to apply.

Professor Wei holds a primary appointment in Mathematics and a secondary appointment in Computer Science. The position is supported by Dr. Wei's National Science Foundation grant and Duke’s Department of Mathematics. The initial appointment is for two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension subject to additional funding.

Research and professional development
The successful candidate will pursue research with Professor Wei in combinatorics, theoretical computer science, other areas in mathematics, and related areas broadly defined. Specific research directions will reflect shared interests and the candidate’s expertise.
The position offers opportunities for collaboration with researchers in Mathematics and Computer Science, co-mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, and helping organize combinatorics seminars and other research activities at Duke.

Teaching
The standard teaching load is one course per semester, for a total of two courses per academic year, in the Department of Mathematics. An alternative arrangement involving three courses per academic year and a higher salary may be available by mutual agreement and subject to departmental approval.

Qualifications
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in mathematics, computer science, or a related discipline broadly defined, awarded before August 1, 2027. Candidates should demonstrate strong research potential, initiative, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and a commitment to effective teaching. Strong written and oral communication skills are expected.
Applicants from the areas listed above are welcome; research interests or expertise need not align exactly with Dr. Wei’s previous work.

Application materials
Applicants should submit the following through [application portal/link]:

• A cover letter describing their interest in the position and potential research connections

with Professor Wei.

• A research statement.
• A teaching statement.
• A curriculum vitae.
• Two representative research papers, including published articles or preprints.
• At least 3 letters of recommendation addressing research and 1 additional letter addressing

teaching, submitted directly by the recommenders.

Review of completed applications will begin on December 10, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

Questions about the position may be directed to fan.wei@duke.edu.
AMS subject classifications: 05, 60, 68.

Please note that Duke University specifically seeks information about past
misconduct or policy violations (in the past ten (10) years) and/or
relevant pending investigations as part of the application process.
Disclosures will not be an automatic bar to hiring but, instead, will
initiate further dialogue regarding past actions and steps taken to
address them. Disclosures will not be shared with search committees
during the application review process.