For full consideration, applications should be received by February 15th

As part of a three-year project funded by the John Templeton Foundation, we seek to hire one or more predoctoral fellows in the study of science, mathematics, and philosophy of mathematical discovery.

This predoctoral fellowship is resident, in person, and full-time at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. The salary is $35,700/year and includes health insurance.

The minimum time commitment for this fellowship is fourteen weeks (3.5 months), and up to one year in duration on initial appointment. Health insurance, relocation costs, and other benefits are included. Citizenship unrestricted, and international travel assistance is available.

This is an ideal position for someone interested in building research experience and a strong portfolio before applying for Ph.D. positions. Fellows in previous years have gone on to great things and a variety of Ph.D. careers ranging from cognitive science, computer science, and organizational behavior to economics, biophysics, sociology, political theory, and theology, and include winners of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, the Hertz Graduate Fellowship, the SBS Foundation Graduate Fellowship for Future Talent, and the Rhodes Scholarship.

Our project has three main themes; ideal candidates will have an interest in one or more of these themes.

Theme 1: Proofs in Practice: the cognitive science and psychology of how humans discover and make sense of mathematical proofs, both as individuals and collectives. How do people prove things?

Theme 2: Transcendental Structures: the formal study of mathematical proof itself, as a subject in computational complexity, type theory, metamathematics, logic, and beyond. What is the space of mathematical truth, and what proofs are there to be discovered?

Theme 3: Cyborg Proofs: the use of artificial intelligence in both discovering and verifying mathematical proofs, with and without human aid. What kinds of tools can we build, and how will they alter the nature of mathematics?

Applicants: to be considered for this position, please submit the following. You can submit these statements and documents as files with your application (PDF or Word):

• A short research statement (no more than two pages, not including references; 12-point font, 1-inch margins). This statement should cover, (A) a brief summary of your research interests, prior experience, and achievements to date -- this need not be tailored to this position; (B) an account of your interests in, ideas about, and potential contributions to, one or more of the themes above -- this can be as referenced or as speculative as you like.

• An academic CV, including a list of between one and three people (name, e-mail, and affiliation) who can serve as academic references -- for example, your undergraduate advisor, or the supervisor for a research project you've been involved with. Your CV should include your date of graduation.

Core Responsibilities

• Aid in novel scientific, mathematical, and philosophical research into the nature of mathematical understanding, under the supervision of Project Lead Simon DeDeo.
• Help publish and share this research with the wider academic community, including conducting experiments, gathering, visualizing, and analyzing data, aiding in the writing up of research for publication, and in handling referee reports.
• Work collaboratively with other members of the project, as consonant with their joint intellectual interests.
• This job does not involve teaching and has no teaching responsibilities

Qualifications

• Predoctoral fellows should have received, or expect to receive, a Bachelor's or Master's degree before beginning this position but should not have yet begun their Ph.D. work.
• In exceptional circumstances, we can consider a Summer appointment for those who will not have received their BA before June 2026.
• Fellows should have a background, advanced undergraduate classwork, strong interests, and ideally some research experience, in one or more of the following fields:

Cognitive science

Psychology

Computer Science

Mathematics

Philosophy

We are also open to considering other fields as well.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it's about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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