Postdoctoral Fellow in Scientific Computing and Ice Sheet Modelling

Ref. No. SU FV-4676-22

at the Department of Mathematics . Closing date: 31 January 2023.

The Department of Mathematics at Stockholm University has 39 faculty staff members and is divided into three divisions: Mathematics, Mathematical statistics and Computational Mathematics. This postdoctoral position is in the Division of Computational Mathematics, which carries out research in a wide range of topics including numerical analysis, programming logic, computational biology, and computational statistics.

Project description
The goal of the project is to develop fast methods for high-accuracy ice-sheet modeling. Efficient and accurate models of the massive ice sheets on Antarctica and Greenland are key to reducing uncertainty in estimates of future global sea level rise. The project aims at using an advanced model based on the p-Stokes equations. To make this model feasible for large scale simulations the efficiency needs to be improved. This will be done by increasing the stability of the time-stepping scheme and by further developing the Ice Sheet Coupled Approximation Level (ISCAL) method. ISCAL is a domain decomposition method set in a finite element method framework. The p-Stokes equations is automatically applied in regions of the ice sheet where it is needed (mostly near the coastline), while the physics is simplified elsewhere. The method is expected to reduce simulation times, as well as memory consumption. The methods will be implemented into a finite element ice-sheet model, tested on large scale problems, and used to create a strategy for finding initial and basal boundary conditions for ice sheet simulations.

Main responsibilities
The postdoctoral researcher will work on ISCAL. A first version of the method is already in place, but to ensure robustness, and accuracy in long term simulations the postdoctoral researcher need to improve on the coupling between the p-Stokes equations and approximative equations (a boundary condition) as well as the implementation of the error estimation which is the basis of the adaptivity of ISCAL. The latter will be done in close collaboration with another postdoctoral researcher. The  postdoctoral researcher should also integrate ISCAL with the timestepping scheme together with other researchers in the team, and contribute to applying the method to long simulations of ice sheets. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to do implementation in a Finite Element software (FEniCS and/or Elmer/Ice).

Qualification requirements
Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment criteria
The degree must have been completed at latest before the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the closing date. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances. Special reasons refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills. The ideal applicant has experience in:

• Finite Element Methods  (implementation, theory and application)
• Numerical methods for Fluid Mechanics, Structural Mechanics, non-Newtonian mechanics and Stokes equations
• Programming (python, Fortran90, C++, FEniCS, Elmer/Ice)
• Applications in geophysics
• HPC

The candidate  should have excellent communication skills and be willing to discuss with scientists from other research fields, such as from geophysics, glaciology and pure mathematics. 

Terms of employment
The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date 2023-09-01 or as per agreement.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact
Further information about the position can be obtained from Assistant Professor Josefin Ahlkrona, [email protected] .
General inquiries may also be directed to the Head of the Division of Computational Mathematics, Lars Arvestad, [email protected] .

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, [email protected] , Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/Lärarförbundet), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, [email protected] , and [email protected] (SEKO).

Application
Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Please include the following information with your application

• Your contact details and personal data
• Your highest degree
• Your language skills
• Contact details for 2–3 references

and, in addition, please include the following documents

• Cover letter
• CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of publications
• Research proposal (no more than 3 pages) describing:
  – why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement
  – why and how you wish to complete the project
  – what makes you suitable for the project in question
• Copy of PhD diploma
• Letters of recommendation (no more than 3 files)
• Publications in support of your application (no more than 3 files).

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position .

You are welcome to apply!

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

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