Seeking University Jobs in Mathematics?

NegativeK asks: "I'm currently a high school student, soaking up all of the math I can. Via a state program, the education department pays for my enrollment in a semi-local university, which is allowing me to take four mathematics courses at a time. My question is this: am I chasing a white-elephant? How much does it take to get a job in theoretical mathematics? What does it require to get a stable job in a university to do math research? This also applies to other theoretical positions; how competitive is the workplace in a research university?"

Comments

Roman Locomotives

[Perdo]

Archimedes prophetically predicted the fall of the roman empire because they only funded practical mathematics research. The Romans, lacking any theoretical mathematics to base new ideas on, did in fact decline. Their technology had hit a wall, much the same way that we have with unification. The mathematical underpinnings of chaos theory languished as an oddity 50 years after being discovered in a dead mathematician's mother's attic, before being used.

If you think about it, the romans had everything they needed to build steam locomotives. They had advanced road building, knowledge of steam dynamics, the ability to forge pressure vessels and an unrivaled industrial base. What they lacked was vision and the will to do anything that might seem impractical.

Hats off to you and godspeed.

Lots of jobs

[cperciva]

Most universities expanded dramatically in the 60s... that faculty is retiring over the next five years. Many mathematics departments are losing 40% of their faculty within a five year window.

Jobs are going to be available.