Postdoctoral scholarship (18 months) on stochastic optimization with applications in energy conversion processes

The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics at Umeå University is offering a postdoctoral scholarship within stochastic optimization with applications. The scholarship is full time for 18 months, starting November 2025 or by agreement. Apply latest by 1 September, 2025. 

Project description
The project will focus on building efficient management strategies for, e.g., electricity generation from wind, hydro or solar panels, or for electricity storage in batteries. Our approach may include mathematical modelling, differential equations, dynamic programming, optimal switching theory, classical optimization, numerical solution methods, and programming. 

You will carry out collaborative research according to a mutually agreed research plan. The postdoc will become a part of the research group in mathematical modeling and analysis (www.umu.se/en/research/groups/mathematical-modeling-and-analysis) and also be offered the opportunity to present the research at international conferences and to participate in joint workshops and seminars. 
 
This postdoctoral scholarship is financed and administrated by The Kempe Foundations. The stipend is tax-free and amounts to 336 000 SEK per whole year.

Qualifications 
To qualify as a postdoctoral scholarship holder, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirements must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the decision about scholarship recipient. Priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, clinical service, trade union duties, or similar circumstances.

Doctoral degree should be within mathematics, computational mathematics, or a related discipline. Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is required. Strong collaborative skills and the ability to work independently are also required. 

It is meritorious if the candidate has:

• Good programming skills.
• Knowledge in numerical solution methods, with a strong preference for experience with dynamic programming, partial differential equations, and stochastic differential equations.
• Experience and a robust interest in programming, mathematical modelling, as well as enthusiasm for applied science, especially related to electricity production and energy conversion processes.

Application 
A complete application should include:

• A cover letter (max 2 pages) summarizing your qualifications, your scientific interests, and your motivation to apply for this scholarship.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) including a complete publication list.
• Certified copy of doctoral degree certificate and copies of other diplomas and course certificates including grades.
• Copy of doctoral thesis and the (at most) 3 most relevant publications.
• Contact information for at least one reference persons.
• A research plan (max 3 pages) presenting your ideas within the field.  

The application should be written in English or Swedish, and attached documents should be in Word or PDF format. The application should be registered via Umeå University’s e-recruitment system Varbi and submitted by the deadline 1 September, 2025. 

Umeå University strives to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for this scholarship, and we encourage female and male applicants equally.

More information
Further details are provided by Associate Professor Niklas Lundström, niklas.lundstrom@umu.se

More information about the department:
https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-mathematics-and-mathematical-statistics/