Postdoc / Research scientist / Instructor
Two RS/postdoctoral positions
Openings are announced on X @laurentdemanet. Current opportunities (mid-June 2026): two research scientist or postdoctoral positions broadly in scientific computing and scientific AI, with focus on (1) Parallel high-performance computing and distributed optimization for inverse problems (this position can be remote), and (2) Autoregressive foundation AI models: the LLMs of multi-modality geophysics (this is an on-site position at MIT). Review of applications will begin immediately. If your recommendation letters are ready, it helps to have them sent early.
Apply to these positions by email directly to Prof. Demanet. The application file should contain a CV, a list of publications, and a short research statement. Indicate your immigration status in your email or file.
Some FAQ:
- I sent you a spontaneous email some time ago, before this posting. Should I signal my interest again? Yes.
- I usually just list references in my CV, and I don't ask them to email the letters. Is that a problem? Having your letters sent helps, and shows the seriousness of your application, but is not mandatory.
- Can we meet on zoom so you can explain to me the research done in the Imaging and Computing Group? Will you consider me even though [insert special circumstance here]? Do you have any update on my candidacy? If there were more than 24 hours in a day we would be glad to reply to these perfectly valid inquiries.
Instructor in Applied Mathematics
Every year, the Mathematics Department at MIT invites applications for teaching positions at the non-tenure-track instructor level. These positions are for 2 or 3 years. The salary is competitive. Instructors are qualified to apply for grants to seek additional summer funding. Candidates should apply to the regular instructor position via mathjobs. Additionally, candidates who have an interest in computational mathematics and wish to be considered in the Imaging and Computing group should contact Laurent Demanet via email. The message should contain "Instructor position" in the subject and should indicate any overlap of research interests with those of the group. The deadline is that indicated on mathjobs (around December).
Graduate Students
Students interested in joining the Imaging and Computing group for a Ph.D. thesis must formally apply to a graduate program. Sending an email to express your interest is not enough. In addition, it helps if you signal your interest to Prof. Demanet in November of the year preceding the start date. The standard procedure is to apply via the Mathematics Department at MIT, in the applied math section. An overview of the application procedure is here. Express your interest in the group's research in your statement (and/or that of any faculty member who could become your advisor.) The deadline is December 15 of the year preceding that of the start date.
Even though we prefer applications in math, there are at least two other ways to join the group as a graduate student: (it's OK to apply to different departments in any given year.)
- Candidates with a geophysics background should consider applying via the EAPS department and mention their interest in the group. Graduate students in this program are considered Earth sciences students.
- Candidates with a computational/engineering background should consider applying via the CSE Ph.D. program and mention their interest in the group. The CSE program now has a Mathematics track and a standalone CSE track.
Summer Interns
The Department of Mathematics at MIT occasionally offers one or more 12-week research internships during the summer. The successful applicant is expected to work on a project related to the research activity in the Imaging and Computing group, typically in scientific AI.
This position is intended for people who are near completion of their bachelor's degree, at the master's level, or at the very early Ph.D. level. Preference is given to participants in a MIT-MISTI exchange program.
The application deadline is January 1.
Preference will be given to students with a strong academic record. Familiarity with partial differential equations, numerical analysis, scientific AI, and strong programming experience are preferred.
A stipend will be provided to cover travel and local expenses. The internship can take place during the summer, but there is some flexibility in the dates.
Interested applicants should send cover letter, CV, transcripts (past grade sheets) by email to Prof. Demanet. Additionally, each applicant should have at least one letter of recommendation sent (by the letter writer or by a secretary) to the same contact email. The letter should not be seen by the applicant.
The cover letter should detail the candidate's academic interests, dates he/she would be available, and possible career plans.
Important remarks about eligibility. The internship is open to everyone, including international students.Students in technical fields with affinities for mathematics and programming are encouraged to apply. The internship is normally not suited for students in business administration. High-school students are not eligible. Ph.D. students who already have an advisor are usually not considered for this position. The students who already have an advisor should only apply in case (i) the internship makes sense as part of completing their Ph.D. thesis, and (ii) the advisor strongly encourages them to do so.
We do not respond to email inquiries on whether you are eligible or qualified for the internship. We unfortnately do not have time to meet with candidates one-on-one before the selection is done. To be considered for the internship, you have to ask a professor to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. Do not send an email indicating your interest in the internship unless you also take steps to have a letter of recommendation sent.
UROP Interns
MIT undegraduate students who wish to be considered for a UROP project in the Imaging and Computing group should contact Prof. Demanet. Preference is given to students in their 3rd or 4th year, or students who have taken applied math classes at the level of C21 or 18.300. For the spring and fall semesters, applications are due before the first Friday of the first week of classes. Summer UROPs and IAP UROPs are also possible and in fact preferred. UROP students typically work with a graduate student or postdoc on a topic of immediate relevance to the group's research.