About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Description

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at UMass Amherst is seeking applicants for an interdisciplinary postdoctoral research associate in Dr Shahriyari’s group for a project in Advancing Disease Modeling through Mathematical Frameworks: Leveraging Single-Cell Spatial Data to Uncover Tissue-Specific Pathways and Immune Responses. Work includes PDE modeling of cell interactions, gathering data sets, developing and numerically solving diffusion reaction equations, parameter estimation, machine learning, and sensitivity analysis, with an emphasis in building open-source technologies that benefit the entire scientific community.

This position is research-only for the 2025–2026 academic year (through August 31, 2026), with the possibility of extension for up to two additional years; may have opportunities for teaching.

Essential Functions

• Perform research on data driven mathematical modeling of tissue’s specific immune cells interactions using single cell data sets.
• Develop open-source software packages.
• Publish and present our work.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork and inclusiveness.  
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• A Ph.D. in Mathematics, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, or related discipline is required.
• Experience in mathematical modeling, programming, particularly Python, is required. 

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Prior expertise in PDE modeling.
• Prior knowledge in biological processes (especially diffusion reaction formulas) is a plus. 
• A record of publications along with the ability to participate in interdisciplinary collaborations.

Work Schedule

A normal work week is forty (40) hours, and, to the extent practicable, consists of five (5) consecutive days, Monday through Friday. Work schedule may vary and may include overtime and flexible schedule depending on operational and research needs of the project as determined by the PI. 

Salary Information

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Special Instructions to Applicants 

Along with application, please submit the following:

1. A cover letter, including an explanation of what draws you to our group (Shahriyari’s lab) at UMass Amherst.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Three letters of recommendation.
4. Teaching statement (please discuss commitment to inclusive pedagogical practices).
5. Research statement.

Review of applications will begin on November 11, 2025. However, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Questions about the position may be addressed to lshahriyari@umass.edu.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.