Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Mathematics

Stockholms Universitet · Full-time

Matematiska institutionen, Stockholm, Sweden

The Department of Mathematics comprises approximately 120 researchers, teachers, and administrative staff and is organized into three main divisions: Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, and Computational Mathematics. All divisions contribute to education at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels while conducting active research. The Department is located in the Albano area in Stockholm and offers modern facilities and a well-equipped library for both students and researchers. Within the Department, the Division of Computational Mathematics focuses on mathematical modeling and development of computational methods for studying complex systems across multiple scales—from molecular structures to climate dynamics. The research encompasses areas such as program logic and proof theory, computational biology, numerical analysis of partial differential equations (including ice and ocean dynamics), computational statistics and machine learning, as well as algorithm design and discrete mathematics such as combinatorics and optimization. More information about us can be found at: Department of Mathematics. Project Description We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to improve and analyze time-stepping methods for simulating the dynamics of glaciers and ice sheets. The background is the need for more reliable predictions of how ice sheets and glaciers respond to a changing climate. The project builds upon a stabilization method that makes it possible to use much longer time steps than previously. Due to the stabilization, the time step is now limited by accuracy rather than numerical stability, but there is still a lack of rigorous understanding of how accuracy depends on the length of the time step, which varies significantly during a simulation. The project's goals are to deepen the theoretical understanding of the stabilized scheme and to translate this understanding into a practical, adaptive algorithm that automatically selects the largest time step that maintains the desired accuracy. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence the research direction and contribute both methodologically and computationally. Responsibilities The postdoctoral researcher is expected to further develop theory for convergence of the stabilized time-stepping scheme, work that involves analysis of a free boundary value problem coupled to the Stokes equations. Based on this theory, the postdoctoral researcher will construct an adaptive algorithm, implement and test the methods in the established ice modeling tool Elmer/Ice, and conduct numerical experiments with applications to, for example, Ryder Glacier in northern Greenland. The responsibilities also include collaborating with researchers in glaciology, writing scientific articles, and presenting results at international conferences. Qualification Requirements To be eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher, a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a relevant doctoral degree is required. The degree must be completed by the time the employment decision is made. Evaluation Criteria It is meritorious if the doctoral degree or equivalent was completed no more than three years before the final application deadline. If there are special circumstances, an earlier completed degree may also be considered meritorious. Special circumstances refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust within labor organizations, military service, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical work or work/assignments relevant to the field of study. Applicants must hold a foreign doctoral degree, that is, a doctoral degree completed at an institution outside Sweden, or a degree deemed equivalent to this. Applicants should have a strong background in numerical analysis or computational science and experience with time-stepping methods and the finite element method (FEM), preferably with applications in fluid dynamics, mechanics, or other moving boundary value problems. Previous experience with geoscience applications is meritorious but not required—subject-specific knowledge can be acquired within the group. Good communication skills and interest in interdisciplinary collaboration, for example with geophysics and glaciology, are highly valued. In the appointment, particular emphasis will be placed on scientific proficiency and the relevance of the applicant's scientific background. About the Employment The employment is full-time and is valid until further notice, but for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension if there are special circumstances. Start date by agreement. We Offer With us, you get the dynamics of the interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You work in an international environment and receive favorable terms. The University is located in the National City Park with good connections to the city center. Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace free from discrimination and providing equal rights and opportunities for all. Contact Information about the employment is provided by Josefin Ahlkrona, [email protected]. Application You apply for the position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV along with any attachments requested in the application form. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete and submitted to the University by the final application deadline. Instructions for applicants can be found on the webpage: how to apply for a position. Stockholm University contributes to the development of a sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment, and the pursuit of truth.