Cotler specializes in the physics of quantum information, computation, and spacetime. He has invented numerous quantum algorithms for learning properties of natural systems, some of which have been implemented on contemporary quantum computers. He has also developed non-perturbative methods for studying the microstructure of black holes and accelerating cosmologies.

Cotler’s current research interests include developing quantum algorithms to analyze quantum many-body and quantum gravitational systems, building an information-theoretic and complexity-theoretic framework for classical and quantum chaotic dynamics, and devising non-perturbative methods for quantum cosmology and quantum field theory.