PhD Position in 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 mathematics focused on combinatorial geometry. The position is for four years of doctoral studies which include both participation in research and postgraduate courses. Last day to apply is June 7, 2020.

Background
Combinatorial geometry is an area of mathematics that is concerned with the interplay between discrete structures and geometry. A discrete structure can for example be embedded in some geometric space or may itself be a curve or a surface defined over a finite field. The geometric aspect could also arise from considering the action of a group on a discrete structure. Examples of discrete structures that are studied in this way are graphs, designs, configurations, finite geometries, polytopes, lattices and hypergraphs.

Project description and tasks
We are currently working with topics such as incidence geometries, graph covers, rigid graphs, graph embeddings and symmetries of discrete objects. It is common to apply computational tools in this type of mathematical research, making it highly beneficial (but not mandatory) for a candidate to have a background and/or interest in programming. The PhD education consists of a course component of 100-120 ECTS credits and is to be concluded with a PhD thesis worth of 120-140 ECTS credits that is defended in a public viva. The student is expected to interact with the scientific community, attends conferences and seminars and writes articles that are published in internationally recognized journals.

Admission requirements
General entry requirements
To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level the applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications. 
Specific entry requirements
To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in mathematics, the applicant is required to have completed at least 60 ECTS credits within the field of mathematics, of which at least 15 ECTS credits shall have been acquired at second-cycle level. Applicants who in some other system either within Sweden or abroad have acquired largely equivalent skills are also eligible.

Qualifications
You have completed a degree of Master of Science in mathematics, a degree of Master of Science in applied mathematics, Master of science in engineering or have achieved relevant knowledge in a similar educational program. Documented experience in discrete mathematics, group theory, and/or algebraic or projective geometry is advantageous. Good knowledge of English language, both written and spoken, are key requirements. Good programming skills is a merit. 

You are expected to play an active role in the development of the project and also in the department. You are also expected to have a scientific and result-oriented approach to your work. You should therefore have excellent communication and collaborative skills.

The assessments of the applicants are based on their qualifications and their ability to benefit from the doctoral-level education they will receive. 

About the employment
The position is intended to result in a doctoral degree and the main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies which include both participation in research and postgraduate courses. The duties can include teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%). The employment is limited to four years of full-time (48 months) or up to five years if teaching part-time. Salary is set in accordance with the established salary ladder for PhD position. The employment starts after the summer of 2020 or according to agreement. 

Application
A complete application should contain the following documents:

• A personal letter with a brief description of your qualifications and your research interests. Motivate why you are applying for the employment and describe how your qualifications and merits are relevant to the employment;
• A curriculum vitae;
• Copies of diplomas or equivalent, including documentation of completed academic courses, transcript of grades obtained, and other relevant certificates;
• 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 (phone, email, adress and affiliation, as well as the capacity in which they have interacted with the candidate).

Applicants with a degree not from a Swedish university are encouraged to provide results obtained from GMAT (and/or GRE) and TOEFL/IELTS tests if available.

The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics values ​​the qualities that an even gender distribution brings to the department, and therefore we particularly encourage female applicants.Apply via our e-recruitment system Varbi. Log in and apply via the button at the bottom of the page. The deadline for applications is June 7, 2020.

The procedure for recruitment for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (chapter 12, 2§) and the decision regarding the position cannot be appealed.

Further information
Further information is provided by Associate professor Klara Stokes, +46-90-7865592, klara.stokes@umu.se

You can also contact the head of department Åke Brännström for additional questions at ake.brannstrom@umu.se.

For more information about the department, please see
https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-mathematics-and-mathematical-statistics/

We look forward to receiving your application!