A math job ad for rich white men?

I started off my day by screaming into my coffee over a job ad for the position of Distinguished Visiting Professor for the Public Dissemination of Mathematics at the National Museum of Mathematics (also known as MoMath). The ad falls distressingly short on issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Let’s start with the full text of the job ad:

The National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) is a growing institution that provides insight into the evolving, human, and aesthetic nature of mathematics to a diverse audience of all ages. Its interactive exhibits and stimulating programs encourage inquiry, spark curiosity, and reveal the wonders of math.

As part of its mission to introduce ever-widening audiences to mathematics, the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) hosts a Distinguished Visiting Professorship for the Public Dissemination of Mathematics each year. The purpose of this visiting professorship is to bring to MoMath distinguished mathematicians who, in addition to being top researchers, are also well known for their skills and passion in bringing mathematics and mathematical awareness to the general public, through media such as public lectures, popular writing, mathematical artwork, etc. Prior/current/future holders of the position include Manjul Bhargava, Peter Winkler, Alex Kontorovich, Steve Strogatz, Tim Chartier, and Ingrid Daubechies.

The MoMath Distinguished Visiting Professorship is a compensated position encompassing a term of one year (12 full months, beginning on or about August 20 each year), with a requirement to be physically present in NYC (single bedroom housing provided). It entails numerous activities that further MoMath’s mission, including (but not limited to) delivering public lectures, providing several mini-courses, organizing and serving as the host for numerous monthly online programs, creating new material for field trips and summer camps, serving as a public representative for the Museum, developing a longer-term (one-year) project, and participating in other MoMath programs and activities as needed.

Interested parties should email jobs@momath.org a cover letter, CV, list of prior experiences with the National Museum of Mathematics, and a brief essay (one paragraph to one page) describing their views on the public dissemination of mathematics. Candidates who have previously volunteered time with and for MoMath are strongly preferred; candidates without previous connections to the Museum are encouraged to get involved prior to applying. MoMath particularly encourages applications from members of groups underrepresented in mathematics.

MoMath, here are a few of the issues I see with this ad:

• Why the vague references to the “ever-widening” and “diverse” audiences? These references seem disingenuous because the language is nonspecific, because math does not in fact have a diverse audience, and because it’s not at all clear that the audience is “ever-widening.” Your mission should be to make it widen, and beating around the bush with your language is making the problem worse, not better.
• Your language about being a “top researcher” acts as a signal to tell women and people of color not to apply, not because they are not amazing researchers, but because your words evoke perceptions of exceptionalism that favor white men. There is plenty of published research demonstrating this.
• Your list of prior appointees is not helping. I don’t know the true identities of the six individuals, but to me, five of them present as white and five of them present as men.
• I am, quite simply, shocked by the mention of single bedroom housing. You are telling people with families not to apply unless they are rich enough to be able to figure out a solution.
• You state that to be considered seriously for the job, one needs to first establish a relationship with the museum by “getting inolved,” specifically by volunteering. You might as well write a job ad that says “white men preferred!” Women, people of color, and individuals with other marginalized identities face so many barriers and burdens that white men don’t. Who has the most capacity to choose to volunteer for a museum? White men. Hands down.

Then you end by saying you welcome applications from members of underrepresented groups. Given the rest of the job ad, this is not credible.

In case you are actually reading this… here, I fixed it for you:

The National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) is a growing institution committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of mathematics. We acknowledge the historical underrepresentation of marginalized groups in mathematics, including gender minorities, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled individuals, and others. We strive to create an environment that welcomes and supports individuals from all backgrounds.

As part of our mission to broaden access to mathematics, MoMath hosts a Distinguished Visiting Professorship for the Public Dissemination of Mathematics each year. We recognize that diverse perspectives and experiences enhance our ability to engage with the public effectively, and we strongly encourage applications from individuals who have been traditionally underrepresented in mathematics.

The MoMath Distinguished Visiting Professorship is a compensated position with a term of one year (12 full months), starting on or about August 20 each year. We are committed to providing inclusive accommodations, including family-friendly housing options, to ensure that all qualified candidates can apply and thrive in this role.

In this position, you will have the opportunity to actively contribute to our mission through a range of activities, including but not limited to:

- Delivering engaging public lectures that make mathematics accessible to diverse audiences
- Conducting interactive mini-courses that foster mathematical curiosity and exploration
- Organizing and hosting inclusive monthly online programs that highlight diverse perspectives
- Creating innovative material for field trips and summer camps that cater to a broad range of learners
- Serving as a public representative for the Museum, promoting diversity and inclusion in mathematics
- Developing a long-term (one-year) project focused on advancing equity and accessibility in mathematics
- Participating in other MoMath programs and activities, collaboratively shaping the future of public mathematics engagement

We value the contributions of all candidates, and we encourage applicants to focus on the specific skills, experiences, and attributes that will contribute to the success of this role. We understand the barriers faced by individuals with diverse identities and backgrounds, and we are actively working to remove those barriers throughout our hiring process.

To apply, please email jobs@momath.org with a cover letter, CV, list of prior experiences relevant to mathematics dissemination, and a brief statement (one paragraph to one page) outlining your vision for promoting diversity and inclusion in mathematics. While we appreciate prior engagement with MoMath, we recognize that applicants may face individual and structural barriers that limit opportunities for involvement. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us in our commitment to cultivating a more diverse and inclusive mathematical community. Together, we can inspire the next generation of mathematicians and create a lasting impact on the field.

This revised job ad eliminates vague references to audiences and focuses on the museum’s commitment to broadening access and promoting diversity. The language about “top researcher” qualifications is removed to avoid potential bias, and the list of prior appointees is not mentioned. The revised ad also acknowledges the importance of providing family-friendly accommodations and removes the suggestion of volunteering as a prerequisite for consideration. The emphasis is on attracting applicants of all backgrounds and experiences, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to apply.

MoMath, please: go fix it. And don’t just change the words in the job ad. MEAN them.