Two Postdoctoral Scholarships (2 years) in Computational Methods for Wave Propagation

The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics is offering two postdoctoral scholarships in computational methods for wave propagation. Both scholarships are full-time for two years with starting date 1 October, 2025 or by agreement.

Project description
Wave propagation arises in a wide range of applications in science and engineering. Many realistic models in 2D and 3D are posed on domains with complex geometrical features. The mathematical model is a hyperbolic partial differential equation with complex geometry at boundaries and material interfaces. For efficient numerical simulation of wave propagation in such models, it is important to design computational techniques that are stable, accurate, and geometrically flexible. The central aim of these projects is efficient computational method for wave propagation on complex geometry. We will use a novel and unconventional finite element method based on the Galerkin difference framework and resolve geometrical features by using the fictitious domain approach. We will implement the method using the state-of-the-art C++ software library deal.II. We will consider two important applications:

Project 1: we consider acoustic and seismic wave simulation. The focus will be on the stabilization near boundaries and material interfaces, conditioning and spectrum of the discretization. This project is financed and administered by the Kempe Foundation (JCSMK24-0013). 

Project 2: we consider shallow water wave propagation modeling fluid flow when the horizontal length scale is much larger than the vertical depth, i.e., in river and coastal areas. The focus will be on shock-capturing schemes and property-preserving methods. This project is financed and administered by the Carl Tryggers Foundation (CTS 24:3420). 

This is a very active research area that involves modeling, mathematical analysis, and computer implementation. The appointed postdoc will have the opportunity to carry out research in collaboration with the computational mathematics group at Umeå University as well as external collaborators. 

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 absence due to illness, parental leave, appointment of trust in trade union organizations, military service or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.

A doctoral degree in computational mathematics, computational science, applied mathematics or other related discipline is required. Good knowledge of oral and written English is required. Proven knowledge and experience in finite element methods, numerical simulation of seismic waves, nonlinear hyperbolic conservation laws and programming skills in C++ is highly advantageous.     

Application 
A full application should include: 

• Cover letter, at most 2 pages, stating your motivation and highlighting your project experience with FEM and C++. You will be considered for both projects but if you want you can specify your preference,
• Curriculum vitae (CV),
• Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained,
• Verified copies of other diplomas, list of completed academic courses and grades,
• Copy of doctoral thesis. If the thesis is not available by the application deadline, then submit a short summary of the thesis (at most 2 pages),
• Publication list. For each article, briefly write your contribution, and provide a copy if it is not freely accessible online,
• Email and phone number of two persons willing to act as references. State your relation to the reference persons.

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 9 June, 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 especially encourage female applicants.

More information
Further details are provided by assistant professor Siyang Wang, siyang.wang@umu.se

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

Welcome with your application!