Postdoctoral stipend in mathematics
Umeå University - with its 33,000 students and over 4,000 employees - is an organisation in constant change and development. Umeå University conducts groundbreaking research within several areas - several in which we are among the best in the world - within others regarded as the leaders in Sweden. We are one of Sweden’s largest providers of education and offer a broad and attractive range of courses and programmes. Our campus constitutes an inspiring environment for everyone that studies and works here. We wish to co-operate with companies and organisations throughout the Umeå region and all over the world.
Numerical methods and computational tools for evolutionary ecology vegetation models based on integro-partial differential equations
We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow to take on the numerical and computational challenges arising in an international research collaboration that aims to develop an evolutionary ecology vegetation model capable of predicting vegetation structures favored under different environmental conditions. The model is physiologically structured and represented mathematically by an integro-partial differential equation, i.e., by a PDE in which coefficients depend on properties of the solution such as the light availability at a given height above ground.
A major objective of your work will be the development of a fast solver for integro-partial differential equations and the development of related computational tools required for simulations. There is also scope for developing algorithms and methods for studying phenotypic evolution in physiologically structured population models. Umeå University hosts a center for high-performance computing, HPC2N, and we expect that you can make use of these computing resources if needed. Depending on the direction in which you take your work, the position may lead to publications in computational mathematics, mathematical/theoretical ecology, or both. In addition, there is a good opportunity that your contributions will become incorporated in the next generation of world vegetation models.
The position is available for a period of one year, with a possible prolongation for an additional year, and is funded through a scholarship from the Kempe Foundations amounting to 200,000 SEK per year and a further 50,000 SEK per year to cover expenses for international collaboration. The successful candidate will also be provided with a comprehensive insurance policy and will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred while moving to Sweden, subject to prior approval.
The postdoc will be based at the Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics and will work in close collaboration with our international partners, including the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Laxenburg, Austria, and Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. The position is expected to entail visits and secondments to one or both of these institutions, possibly for durations of up to several months. To qualify for this position, you need a PhD degree in computational mathematics or a quantitative science related to the project, preferably not older than three years.
Experience of programming in C++, parallel computing, or mathematical ecology will be an advantage, but is not required. Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential. Since we strive for a more equal gender distribution within our department, we especially encourage female applicants.
For further information, please contact assistant professor Åke Brännström, +46-90-786 78 62, ake.brannstrom@math.umu.se, professor Mats Larson, +46-90-786 55 02, mats.larson@math.umu.se or Head of department Robert Johansson, robert.johansson@math.umu.se. For a general presentation of the department, see www.math.umu.se. The International Office, www.umu.se/international_office provides a general presentation of Umeå and the University.
The application should contain a statement of motivation, curriculum vitae, copies of degree certificates, a publication list, names and contact details of at least two references, and short accounts of scientific and teaching activities. Reprints of your most relevant publications and other documents that you wish to refer to should be attached. Documents submitted electronically should be in MS Word or PDF format.
Union information is available from SACO, +46-(0)90-786 53 65, SEKO civil, +46-(0)90-786 52 96 and ST, +46-(0)90-786 54 31.
Your complete application, marked with reference number 223-890-10, should be sent to medel@diarie.umu.se (state the reference number as subject) or to the Registrar, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden to arrive April 29, 2010 at the latest.
