What do mathematicians do?
Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve problems in various fields using mathematical methods.
This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.
Job titles to recognize in your search
O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.
- Agent-Based Modeler
- Computational Mathematician
- Computational Scientist
- Cryptographer
- Cryptographic Vulnerability Analyst
- Mathematician
- Research Computing Specialist
- Research Scientist
Core tasks to compare with a job posting
- Mentor others on mathematical techniques.
- Maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences.
- Develop new principles and new relationships between existing mathematical principles to advance mathematical science.
- Disseminate research by writing reports, publishing papers, or presenting at professional conferences.
- Assemble sets of assumptions, and explore the consequences of each set.
- Perform computations and apply methods of numerical analysis to data.
- Address the relationships of quantities, magnitudes, and forms through the use of numbers and symbols.
- Conduct research to extend mathematical knowledge in traditional areas, such as algebra, geometry, probability, and logic.
- Develop mathematical or statistical models of phenomena to be used for analysis or for computational simulation.
- Apply mathematical theories and techniques to the solution of practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, or other fields.
Prepare an application for this occupation
- Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
- Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
- Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
- Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.
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