PhD Position in Mathematics or Computational Science and Gender Aspects of Scientific Authorship

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics is, together with Umeå Center for Gender Studies, searching for a PhD student in mathematics or computational science with focus on discrete mathematics and gender aspects of scientific authorship. The employment will start on September 1, 2024 or by negotiation, is limited to four years of full-time studies, and is based at the Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics. Last day to apply is February 2, 2024.

The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics performs research in computational science, mathematics, and mathematical statistics. The department has approximately 100 employees of which about 25 are PhD students. For more information see, http://www.umu.se/en/department-of-mathematics-and-mathematical-statistics/

The Graduate School of Gender Studies has since 2001 co-financed PhD students at all of Umeå University’s faculties. A PhD student at the Graduate School of Gender Studies will take part in a unique and dynamic research environment, in which about 25 PhD students are participating in. For more information see, https://www.umu.se/en/umea-centre-for-gender-studies/doctoral-studies/the-graduate-school-of-gender-studies/

Project description and tasks
The successful PhD student will carry out research within an interdisciplinary research environment that includes the discrete mathematics group of the Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics and the Graduate School of Gender Studies. The candidate will analyze gender patterns in the so-called Erdös social collaboration graph, where the nodes represent researchers in mathematics, and edges between two nodes/researchers represent the fact that they have at least one common publication. This analysis includes questions like:

Currently, the research group in discrete mathematics consists of 18 people. The group is very active and has a weekly seminar, different workshops, and a frequent flow of visitors and international collaborators. It has several PhD students and postdocs. The research covers a wide range of areas and touches upon extremal, probabilistic, algorithmic, game theoretic, computational, topological, geometric, and algebraic combinatorics.

The successful PhD student will also participate in the research environment at the Graduate School of Gender Studies. This involves participation in activities such as PhD courses, seminars, workshops and termly away-days.

Eligibility
Prerequisites include 240 ECTS credits of higher education studies of which 60 ECTS credits should be on an advanced level (Master’s level).

To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in mathematics, the applicant is required to have completed at least 60 ECTS credits within the field of mathematics, of which at least 15 ECTS credits shall have been acquired at second-cycle level.

To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in computational science, the applicant is required to have completed at least 90 ECTS credits in computational science courses, of which at least 30 credits shall have been acquired at the advanced level (Master’s level). Computational science courses refer to courses in computer science, mathematics and mathematical statistics.

Applicants who in some other system either within Sweden or abroad have acquired largely equivalent skills are also eligible.

Qualifications
Required is a theoretical background in discrete mathematics and combinatorial optimization. Good programming skills and communication skills in both written and spoken English are also requirements. Good knowledge of statistics and gender studies are meritorious.

You are expected to take on an active role in this project and institutional work. You have a scientific and open mindset, can work independently, and are structured, flexible and solution oriented. Above all, you are determined to continuously develop your skills and contribute to combine research in discrete mathematics and gender studies.

The assessments of the applicants are based on their qualifications and their ability to benefit from the doctoral-level education they will receive.

Applicants with a degree not from a Swedish university are encouraged to provide results obtained from GMAT (and/or GRE) and TOEFL/IELTS tests if available.

About the position
The position is intended to result in a doctoral degree. The main task of doctoral students is to pursue their third-cycle studies, including active participation in research and third-cycle courses. The duties may include teaching or other departmental work, but not more than 20 percent of a full-time post. The employment is for a fixed term of four years full-time or up to five years when teaching part-time. Salary is set according to the salary ladder for PhD positions at Umeå University. Employment commences on September 1, 2024.

Application
The deadline for applications is February 2, 2024. The application must include the following documents written in English or Swedish in pdf- or word format:

• A cover letter briefly describing your qualifications and research interests, an explanation of why you are applying for the position and why you feel your qualifications and experience are relevant (not more than 5 pages).
• Curriculum vitae.
• Authenticated copies of degree certificates, diplomas or equivalent, including documentation of completed academic courses, received grades, and other certificates.
• Master’s thesis or publications with relevance to the project. If the master’s thesis has not been completed before the application deadline, a summary of at most 5 pages, including figures and references, shall be included.
• Your GMAT (or GRE) and TOEFL/IELTS test scores if available.
• Contact details for two or more reference persons.

The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics values the qualities that gender balance brings to the department, and therefore particularly encourages female applicants.

Pursuant to Chapter 12 Section 2 of the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance (SFS 1993:100), the decision regarding the position cannot be appealed.

More information
Associate Professor Gerold Jäger: [email protected], +46 90 7866141, https://www.umu.se/en/staff/gerold-jager/
Head of Department Åke Brännström, [email protected]

We look forward to receiving your application!