Offer Description
Position Title: Postdoctoral Scholar Position in Mathematical Physics and Electromagnetic (EM) Theory/Modeling
Position Type: Fixed Term (Fixed Term)
Applications will be reviewed on rolling basis until the position is filled. Application deadline is January 30, 2026
Purpose:
Applications are invited for a new Postdoctoral Scholar position in mathematical physics and electromagnetic (EM) theory/modeling, at the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, and in collaboration with the Applied Mathematics Department, Santa Clara University. This is an in-person position at Santa Clara University, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, California.
The position is currently available for 24 months, with possible extension depending on the availability of funding. The start date is negotiable.
We seek outstanding candidates who are experienced in, and excited about, conducting high-quality research in an area that combines applied mathematics/mathematical physics and electromagnetic analysis. The postdoctoral position will focus on developing a theoretical framework for the classification of characteristic perturbations in two-dimensional geometries that carry evolving boundary conditions or subdomain extractions. The geometrical effects will be applied to planar electromagnetic resonator geometries enclosed by Lipschitz-continuous boundaries. Utilization of variational techniques, geometry, level sets, topological derivatives, among other methods, are expected to be useful for modeling the spectral characteristics of these shapes under evolving perturbations. In addition to its theoretical and intellectual value, the research will benefit many applications, such as biomedical therapy, remote sensing, antenna/filter theory, and inverse problems in physics and engineering.
Good working knowledge in most of the following topics is essential for this position: differential equations, operator spectral theory, linear vector spaces, differential geometry, boundary-value problems, Green's functions, variational techniques, and complex analysis. The postdoctoral scholar will join Prof. Adham Naji's research program at Santa Clara. Prof. Naji moved from Stanford University/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory to Santa Clara University in 2024, and is currently establishing his new research program in this area. His research interests focus on developing/adapting advanced mathematical techniques for applications in EM theory, radiofrequency (RF) analysis/design for wireless systems, wave scattering and propagation, and wave-particle dynamics in accelerator physics, among others.
Preferred skills and qualifications:
Applicants from diverse academic backgrounds (e.g. in physics, mathematics, engineering) with relevant skills are encouraged to apply. Knowledge of differential equations, operator spectral theory, boundary-value problems, functional and complex analysis, perturbation theory, variational techniques, and applied analysis will be useful for excelling in this work. Knowledge of electromagnetic field theory, numerical electromagnetics, scattering matrix theory, or simulating EM/RF structures in Ansys HFSS (or similar tools) is a plus. Experience or familiarity in writing your own codes in Wolfram Mathematica (or similar languages) is also a plus. The ability to work in a fast-paced research environment, independently or in a team, meeting internal or external deadlines, and be self-motivated to learn new skills/tools is important for success in this position.
The postdoctoral scholar is expected to have completed a PhD in any of the following areas: RF/microwave engineering, theoretical physics, applied physics, mathematics, or a closely related field. They will have a promising track record of high-quality research, including journal publications.
Applicants with traditional or nontraditional career pathways are encouraged to apply.
The salary will follow the national NIH scales for postdoctoral scholars (with adjustment) and will be commensurate with the applicant's record/experience, in addition to benefits. The position is available for approximately 24 months (12 months initial appointment and then renewable up to 24 months). Possible extension beyond 24 months will depend on the availability of funding.
How to apply:
To submit your application for this position, two steps are needed:
Step 1 - combine all the following documents as a single PDF file and put your Last name as the filename. This single file will be your application package:
- CV/Resume, including your full list of publications and your contact details.
- A statement of research interests (1 page max) highlighting how your previous experience and research interests are relevant, and why you would like to apply for this position. Include your preferred start date, if selected for this position.
- List of 3 references, with contact details.
- Include 1 publication sample that you are most proud of.
Step 2 - send the single PDF above to Cathy Vu-Tang at cvutang@scu.edu with the email titled: "Podtdoc_application_Fall2025"
Telecommute
Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.
Work Authorization:
SCU will support applications for J-1, TN, E-3, or similar non-immigrant visas for foreign nationals who are appointed to this position in accordance with applicable legal requirements and University policy.