PhD Fellowship in Computational Dynamics and Stochastics

About the position

For a position as a PhD Candidate, the goal is a completed doctoral education up to an obtained doctoral degree.  

A new PhD fellowship in stochastic analysis, rough paths theory and computational dynamics is available at the Department of Mathematical Sciences at NTNU starting January 2023.

The PhD thesis will be supervised by Prof. Kurusch Ebrahimi-Fard (and Prof. Fabian A. Harang at BI Norwegian Business School, Oslo). The position will be connected to the new research project “Signatures for Images” (SFI), which focuses on the mathematical analysis of images seen as random fields, using methods for image classification based on the theory of rough paths. The PhD fellowship is open for the period of three years with a possibility of extending by one more year subject to complementary teaching responsibilities. The main workplace will be Trondheim, Norway.

Duties of the position

The main objectives of the SFI project are to develop and explore the mathematical foundations for the analysis of iterated integrals related to random fields based on the theory of rough paths, and the use of these integrals for image classification in machine learning. The project group consists of internationally renowned researchers, based in Norway, Austria, Germany, USA, and the UK, interested in understanding the theory of rough paths and signatures from a diverse range of mathematical perspectives, including stochastic analysis, combinatorial algebra, and numerical aspects of (stochastic) differential equations. In the detailed planning of research activities, we will be flexible towards the background and interests of the candidate. Possible topics include algebraic and analytic aspects of iterated integrals related to random fields, rough paths theory and stochastic (partial) differential equations as well as (numerical) analysis of partial differential equations, with a focus on either geometric, algebraic, or probabilistic aspects. The PhD project will be conducted in the research group of Differential Equations and Numerical Analysis (DNA) at NTNU (campus Gløshaugen, Trondheim). During the academic year 2023/2024 the candidate is expected to take part in a research collaboration organized at the Centre for Advanced Study (CAS) at the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters in Oslo. The student will visit Prof. Harang at BI Norwegian Business School (Oslo campus) during the period of the fellowship. 

Required selection criteria

We are seeking a highly motivated individual that wants to excel in a mathematics research environment and has strong academic ambitions. The preferred candidate will have a good background in at least one of the relevant areas of mathematics mentioned above. Explicit interest in exploring neural networks from a (stochastic) differential equations point of view is an advantage. Some coding background is beneficial, but not necessary. Applicants should enjoy working in a team-based environment, but also be able to work independently on research problems.

The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is that you have completed a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in mathematics or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale . If you have a weaker grade background, you may be assessed if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education.

You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty`s doctoral program .

MSc students who expect to complete their master’s degree studies by December/January 2022 are also encouraged to apply. Employment will then be postponed until the master’s degree is finished. The master`s degree must be obtained and documented before starting an employment.

The applicants who do not master a Scandinavian language must document a thorough knowledge of English (equivalent to a TOEFL-iBT score of 100 or more (earlier TOEFL score of 600 or more)).

The appointment is to be made in accordance with  Regulations concerning the degrees of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) and Philosodophiae Doctor (PhD) in artistic research national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant  

Preferred selection criteria

• good written and oral English language skills

Personal characteristics

• High self-motivation
• Intrinsic curiosity and open-minded attitude
• Independent working style
• Very good communication skills

Emphasis will be placed on personal and interpersonal qualities.

We offer

Salary and conditions

As a PhD candidate (code 1017) you are normally paid from gross NOK 501 200 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years with no teaching, but the Department may offer a 4th year with teaching and other duties for approximately 25% of the entire 4-year period.

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in mathematics (http://www.ntnu.edu/ie/research/phd ) within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants , and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.

About the application

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that your application will be considered based solely on information submitted by the application deadline. You must therefore ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your skills and experience fulfil the criteria specified above.

The application must include the following:

• CV including information on educational background, work experience, preprints and publications.
• A short research statement explaining the experience and the interest of the candidate for the research topic and describing the relevance of the candidate’s background to the research project (maximum 1 page).
• A copy of the master thesis, for those who are near to completion of their MSc, an extended abstract combined with a statement of how and when the applicant plans to complete the thesis.
• Any relevant publications. Joint work will only be considered provided that a short summary outlining the applicant's contributions is attached.
• Certified copies of relevant transcripts and diplomas. Candidates from universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a Diploma Supplement or similar documentation, which describes in detail the program of study, the grading system, and the rights to further studies associated with the degree obtained.
• Contact information for at least two references.
• Documentation of fluency in the English language.
• Other documents, which the applicant find relevant may also be included. We may ask for further documents when it is necessary during the hiring process.

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both bachelor's and master's education, in addition to other higher education. Description of the documentation required can be found here . If you already have a statement from NOKUT, please attach this as well.

We will take joint work into account. If it is difficult to identify your efforts in the joint work, you must enclose a short description of your participation.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal and interpersonal qualities. Motivation, ambitions, and potential will also count in the assessment of the candidates. 

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

General information

Working at NTNU

NTNU believes that inclusion and diversity is our strength. We want to recruit people with different competencies, educational backgrounds, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to solving our social responsibilities within education and research. We will facilitate for our employees’ needs.

NTNU is working actively to increase the number of women employed in scientific positions and has a number of resources to promote equality.

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted.

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you want to reserve yourself from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation . You will be notified if the reservation is not accepted.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Kurusch Ebrahimi-Fard, email [email protected]

If you think this looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates attached. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.  

Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI) .

If you are invited for interview, you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. Please refer to the application number 2022/32515 when applying.

Application deadline: 07.10.2022.

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Mathematical Sciences 

We are Norway’s largest university environment in mathematical sciences. The Department has a particular responsibility for all basis education in mathematical sciences for engineering and natural science students at NTNU. We focus on long-term basic research and applied research at a high international level. Our aim is to meet the society’s needs for mathematical and statistical expertise in business and public administration as well as in the research and education sector.  The Department of Mathematical Sciences  is one of seven departments in the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering  .

Deadline 7th October 2022
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Project
Place of service Trondheim