Research Mathematician

The Company:Founded in 1931, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the world's leading authority in gemology. As a nonprofit organization, GIA sets industry standards and provides education in gems and jewelry. Its mission focuses on maintaining public trust through education, research, and laboratory services.

GIA's global operations are centered at its 17-acre oceanfront campus in Carlsbad, California, home to 600 of its 3,000 worldwide employees. The institute offers competitive benefits, demonstrating its commitment to employee welfare and environmental sustainability.

Click here to learn more about GIA! 

The Location: This position is in Carlsbad, California at our corporate headquarters or at our Las Vegas, Nevada research campus. We offer a hybrid schedule with 3 days in the office (subject to change), provided if metrics such as productivity and the quality of the deliverables are achieved. 

Culture: We foster an environment of autonomy, performance, and passion. Our team members collaborate extensively across various departments, providing high-quality service to internal staff, stakeholders, and the organization. We value initiative, cross-functional cooperation, and a commitment to excellence in all our endeavors. 

What to expect:

• We offer competitive medical, dental, vision and matching 401-K plans (no vesting required) 

• Paid vacation, sick and holidays, tuition assistance, commuter benefits 

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are seeking a passionate Research Mathematician to join our innovative team. In this role, you will apply advanced mathematical concepts such as topology, graph theory, and combinatorics to real-world gemological challenges. You'll develop cutting-edge algorithms that revolutionize diamond analysis and visualization, bridging the gap between abstract mathematical theory and practical applications in the gem industry.

Working collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, you'll enhance our understanding and appreciation of diamond aesthetics, contributing to groundbreaking research that combines technical precision with artistic beauty. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in advanced mathematics and a keen interest in applying theoretical concepts to tangible, visually stunning outcomes.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of mathematical research while making a significant impact in the world of gemology and diamond design. If you're excited about transforming complex mathematical ideas into innovative solutions that shape how the world perceives diamonds, we invite you to join our team and make your mark in this fascinating field.

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON
As a Research Mathematician at GIA, you will:

• Create and refine mathematical frameworks that power our diamond geometry modeling, cut classification systems, and visualizations.

• Collaborate closely with software engineers, researchers, and algorithm specialists to turn theory into working solutions for real-world gemological challenges.

• Publish original research in peer-reviewed journals and represent GIA at mathematics, computer science, and gemological conferences.

• Develop educational content and present your work to colleagues, industry leaders, and stakeholders.

• Perform complex 3D modeling, optimization, and data analysis tasks, always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH
You’ll partner with GIA’s Senior Director of Diamond Cut Research, Senior Research Mathematician, R&D software engineers, and algorithm specialists. You’ll also collaborate with our education department, the broader research community, and even external clients seeking expert insight.

WHAT YOU BRING

• PhD in mathematics or related fieldrequired.

•  5+ years of equivalent experiencerequired.

• Proventrack record of publishable original research.

• Strong skills in 3D computational geometry, algorithm design, and data analysis.

• Proficiencyin C# and Python preferred.

• A balanced combination of creative problem solving, analytical rigor, and strong communication skills.

• A passion for both research and innovation—and an interest in art and visual aesthetics.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT (if applicable)

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.  The employee frequentlyis required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The employee is required to travel domestically and/or internationally, using commercial transportation resources.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Pay Range: $111,500-$144,000 

The compensation range for this role is based on the employee’s work location or the corporate location which the candidate will report to (Carlsbad or Las Vegas).