Research careers in mathematics (without teaching)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around potential research careers in mathematics that do not involve teaching. Participants explore various job opportunities, including positions in government organizations and research institutes, while expressing differing opinions on the viability of such careers.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that there are research teams in companies that employ mathematicians, primarily focusing on numerical methods to assist other team members.
  • Government organizations like NSA and DARPA are mentioned as potential employers for mathematicians, with roles in cryptography and applied mathematics.
  • There are references to prestigious research institutes in France, such as the Poincaré Institute and Princeton's IAS, which may offer positions but require high qualifications.
  • One participant expresses a belief that teaching is the only viable career in mathematics, which is challenged by others who provide counterexamples of non-teaching roles.
  • Concerns are raised about the low pay associated with permanent research positions in some universities in France.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the availability and nature of research careers in mathematics outside of teaching. While some argue that such careers exist, others maintain that teaching is the primary option.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about job availability and pay are based on personal opinions and experiences, which may not reflect the broader job market. The discussion includes varying levels of certainty regarding the qualifications required for specific positions.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in pursuing a career in mathematics outside of academia, particularly those exploring opportunities in government or research institutions.

alexmahone
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Are there any research careers in mathematics that don't involve teaching?
 
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There exist companies which have research teams which might include mathematicians- but my understanding is that their job is largely using numerical methods to help the others on the team solve problems. Some universities have mathematics research positions but those are very few and typically filled by people who, while teaching, published impressive research.
 
I would love to do maths all my life but I don't want to teach. What kind of job should I get?
 
Alexmahone said:
I would love to do maths all my life but I don't want to teach. What kind of job should I get?

NSA, DARPA, and other government organizations hire mathematicians.

---------- Post added at 11:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:01 AM ----------

dwsmith said:
NSA, DARPA, and other government organizations hire mathematicians.

You may want to note that the NSA is mainly crypto, ie algebra and number theory.

DARPA and the others are going to be applied math/engineering type positions.
 
In France, there's the Poincaré's institute, but you've got to be really good :D I think it's the same for Princeton's IAS
 
In my opinion there is no career in mathematics beside a teacher though maths is a very important subject because from past few years science is ruling.
 
anky2930 said:
In my opinion there is no career in mathematics beside a teacher though maths is a very important subject because from past few years science is ruling.

And your opinion is wrong, as can be proven by a single counter example (and there are many)

CB
 
Last edited:
anky2930 said:
In my opinion there is no career in mathematics beside a teacher though maths is a very important subject because from past few years science is ruling.
(Surprised)
 
Moo said:
In France, there's the Poincaré's institute, but you've got to be really good :D I think it's the same for Princeton's IAS

I have heard tale of permanent jobs (in arbitrary universities) in France without teaching. However, they do not pay very well...
 
  • #10
dwsmith said:
NSA, DARPA, and other government organizations hire mathematicians.

---------- Post added at 11:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:01 AM ----------



You may want to note that the NSA is mainly crypto, ie algebra and number theory.

DARPA and the others are going to be applied math/engineering type positions.

Actually, I would say that NSA is a remarkable place, because it is about the only non-academic institution in the world where you can pretty much do any math you want. They use just about every field of math at NSA.
 

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