PhD position in computational mathematics - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics at Umeå University is opening a PhD position in computational mathematics with focus on computational methods for partial differential equations. The general aim is to provide its holder with a possibility to earn a PhD degree. Apply no later than June 25 2018.

Project descripton
Many important flows in environmental and engineering applications, including oil-water systems, dam-breaking problems, and droplet dynamics in microfluidic devices can be described as a complex fluid system consisting of two or multiple immiscible fluid phases.  Additionally, surface active agents (surfactants) can decrease the surface tension at the phase interface, thus changing the dynamics and interplay between the fluid phases completely. The effect is most prominent in our daily live when using soap and laundry detergents but it also plays an important role for dispersing agents used to combat oil spills or in synthetic biology and soft robotics where the design of ”programmable” droplet systems has become an important research area.

The goal of this project is to develop novel computational tools for the accurate and efficient simulation of complex multiphysics flows. A particular emphasis will be placed on solving (fluid dynamics related) partial differential equations on evolving domains and on complex, potentially lower-dimensional domains such as embedded surfaces. As the interface between different fluid phases can undergo large or even topological changes, e.g., when bubbles merge or break up, waves break or drops pinch off, we will employ and further advance an emerging finite element technology known as the cut finite element method (cutFEM).

Admission requirements
Prerequisites includes 240 ECTS credits (swe. högskolepoäng) of higher education studies of which 60 ECTS credits should be on an advanced level (master level). In addition to these general requirements, the applicant is required to have completed at least 90 credits in computational science and engineering courses, of which at least 30 credits shall have been acquired at second-cycle level. Computational science and engineering courses refers to courses with major quantitative, statistical or computing science elements, such as courses in computing science, mathematics and mathematical statistics, and relevant courses in physics, biology, and chemistry. Applicants who in some other system either within Sweden or abroad have acquired largely equivalent skills are also eligible.

Qualifications
Candidates need to be skilled in both oral and written communication in English, and should be able to work independently as well as in collaboration with others. Applicants with a degree not from a Swedish university are encouraged to provide results obtained from GMAT (and/or GRE) and TOEFL tests if available. The candidates also need to have a genuine interest, but not necessarily documented knowledge, in working with computers and programming, e.g. in Matlab, C++, or Python. A good background in mathematics, numerical analysis, optimization, partial differential equations, finite element methods, and/or programming is qualifying.

About the employment
The position is for 48 months of research. As a PhD student you will perform research and take courses on a graduate level. The employment starts in the autumn of 2018 or according to agreement.

Application
The application should include:

• a personal letter with a brief description of qualifications, research interests, and motivations and with your contact information
• a curriculum vitae
• authenticated copies of degree certificates and copies of relevant work such as master’s thesis or articles that you have authored or co-authored
• contact information for at least two reference persons.

You should apply via our online recruitment system by June 25 2018 at the latest. You may log in and apply via the link at the bottom of this page.

We value the qualities that an even gender distribution brings to the department, and therefore we particularly encourage women to apply for the position.

Further information
Further information is provided by Assistant Professor André Massing, +46 72 8602597, andre.massing@umu.se or Head of Department Robert Johansson, +46 90 7869365, robert.johasson@umu.se.

Research at the Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics is conducted within mathematics, mathematical statistics, mathematics education and computational mathematics. Important cooperation partners include the Umeå Institute of Technology, the biological, forestry and medical departments, Umeå School of Business and Economics, the University Hospital, and industry. We provide education at all levels with a particular focus on engineering and civil engineering programs.

For more information see Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics.