The Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Department of Mathematics offers an immersive teaching-focused opportunity with a competitive total compensation package starting at $67,000 per year. The role is defined as a postdoctoral position at 60% FTE, blending a teaching stipend and a postdoc salary. Candidates are expected to have completed their PhD in mathematics (or a related field) and demonstrate experience with undergraduate teaching. Administrative and curriculum development skills are valued, as you will be actively engaged in both pedagogy and course management. Applicants should also be able to communicate effectively and work well within teams.

Job Responsibilities & Duties

This fellowship puts you right in the centre of undergraduate education, delivering lectures and supporting large, multi-section math courses. You will be developing innovative teaching methods and designing new curriculum materials. Administrative responsibilities include helping coordinate courses, supervising TAs, and streamlining resources for instructors. The position offers the unique chance to collaborate on pedagogical research and mentor team members. You’ll teach the equivalent of four semester-long courses annually, gaining hands-on experience in both classroom and course administration.

Advantages of the Role

Firstly, the mentorship from experienced faculty members and the collaborative atmosphere are major assets. The focus on teaching means you can significantly refine your educational approach, setting you up for a future academic career. Plus, with multiple avenues for pedagogical research, you’re encouraged to experiment and help shape how mathematics is taught. The compensation is competitive for the field, with a $67,000+ package.

Potential Drawbacks

The administrative and teaching workload is considerable, given the assignment of four courses per year and coordination across large class sizes. The emphasis on teaching over research may not align with all postdocs’ career goals. If your aspirations are more research-intensive, this role may feel limiting. Securing a permanent position afterwards is not guaranteed and depends on many factors, including job market conditions.

Verdict

This Postdoctoral Fellowship is an excellent stepping stone for mathematically talented educators who wish to shape undergraduate learning while building a strong portfolio in pedagogy and curriculum design. The strong salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for skill-building make it a valuable experience for those whose interests lie in academic teaching. Consider this if you’re passionate about course delivery and student impact.