University of Rochester:

Office of the

Provost:

Academic Center:

School of Arts & Sciences:

Physics & Astronomy

• Salary Range or Pay Grade
• $60,000-70,000
• Description
• The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Rochester invites applications for two Postdoctoral Research Associate positions in theoretical and computational approaches to complex systems, information theory, and the emergence of autonomous agency.

The positions are part of a newly funded interdisciplinary research program investigating how autonomous agency, viability, semantic information, and intelligent behavior emerge in living and artificial systems. The postdocs will work primarily with Prof. Gourab Ghoshal, Prof. Adam Frank, and collaborators at the University of Rochester, the Santa Fe Institute, Dartmouth College, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Auckland. Successful candidates will join an interdisciplinary team of physicists, complex systems scientists, philosophers, and theoretical biologists working on foundational questions surrounding agency, intelligence, and the physics of living systems. We are especially interested in candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Statistical physics of nonequilibrium systems
• Complex systems and network science
• Information theory, semantic information, and information thermodynamics
• Dynamical systems and mathematical modeling
• Artificial life and theoretical biology
• Computational modeling of adaptive or autonomous systems
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence, particularly in relation to agency, autonomy, or emergent behavior Research will focus on developing mathematical and computational frameworks for understanding autonomous agency in living and artificial systems.

Current research directions include:

• Mathematical models of organizational closure, viability, and individuality
• Semantic information in agent-environment systems
• Multiscale coarse-graining of information and agency
• Thermodynamic limits on information acquisition and adaptive behavior
• Computational models of sensing, control, and autonomous decision-making
• Applications of these ideas to artificial intelligence and artificial life The positions are based at the University of Rochester, but the project includes a strong collaborative and travel component.

Postdoctoral researchers will have opportunities to undertake extended research visits at the Santa Fe Institute and partner institutions, participate in workshops and working groups, and collaborate with an international team spanning physics, complex systems, theoretical biology, philosophy, artificial life, and information theory. Appointments will initially be for one year, with renewal for up to three years total, contingent upon satisfactory performance and the continued availability of funding. The anticipated start date is flexible, with preference for candidates who can begin in 2026.

• Qualifications
• Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Complex Systems, Theoretical Biology, Cognitive Science, or a related field by the start date. Strong computational, mathematical, and communication skills are expected. Prior experience with interdisciplinary research is highly desirable.
• Application Instructions
• Applications and supporting credentials must be submitted at: https://apply.interfolio.com/189157 Candidates should be prepared to upload the following documents:
• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement
• Contact information for three letters of recommendation
• Three representative publications Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.
• Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
• EOE, including disability/protected veterans The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better.

In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Classes). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.