PhD in Applied Mathematics - Derivation and Analysis of Free-Surface Flow Models

We have a vacancy for a 4-year PhD student in Applied Mathematics within the project “HiWAVE - Natural hazard prediction with adaptive hierarchical wave models”, funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) via the talent programme Vidi in the group of Assistant Professor Dr. Julian Koellermeier.

HiWAVE predicts free-surface waves by developing new hierarchical models. The main novelty is to represent vertically varying velocity profiles using an extended set of equations, resulting in so-called moment models. The whole project covers model derivation, model reduction, and numerical simulations.

In collaboration with the rest of the PI's group (4 PhD's + 1 Postdoc + undergrad students) at the Bernoulli Institute for Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, the PhD student is in charge of the model derivation and numerical analysis. This includes three parts: (1) the derivation of free-surface models including realistic friction terms and Coriolis forces, (2) the analysis of model properties like hyperbolicity, steady states, or equilibrium stability, and (3) the implementation of structure-preserving numerical methods.

One outcome of this 4-year position is the production of research articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals, which together will form the basis of a thesis leading to a PhD degree (Dr) at the University of Groningen. In an international collaboration, it is envisioned to set up a joint degree with Ghent University, Belgium, demanding that significant time will be spent on location in Ghent.

Organisation
Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative institution of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programmes and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 34,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global centre of knowledge.

Within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, this 4-year PhD position is available at the Bernoulli Institute for Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence with the topic “Derivation and Analysis of Free-Surface Flow Models”. The candidate would become a member of the Computational & Numerical Mathematics group of the Mathematics Department and will work under the supervision of Dr Julian Koellermeier.

- We are searching for an excellent and motivated candidate holding a master’s degree in Applied Mathematics (or equivalent).
- A solid background in numerical methods for PDEs and numerical analysis is necessary.
- Knowledge of fluid dynamics and free-surface flows is required.
- Candidates should have experience with scientific programming (e.g., using MATLAB, python, and C++).
- Experience or interest in international collaboration is a plus.
- Very good communication and writing skills in English are needed.

We offer you, following the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

- A salary of € 2,901 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3,707 gross per month in the fourth and final year for a full-time working week.
- A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
- A full-time position (1.0 FTE). The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is to be expected. A PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering.

dr. Julian Koellermeier
j.koellermeier@rug.nl

Your application should include:

- Letter of motivation.
- CV.
- At least two academic reference letters.
- Transcripts from your bachelor’s and master’s degree.

You can submit your application until 9 February 11:59pm / before 10 February 2025 Dutch local time (CET) by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).

Applications received before 16 January 2025 will be given full consideration; however, the position will remain open until it is filled.

The intended starting date is to be decided in agreement with the candidate, but no later than September 2025.

The University of Groningen strives to be a university in which students and staff are respected and feel at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identities. We believe that working on our core values of inclusion and equality are a joint responsibility and we are constructively working on creating a socially safe environment. Diversity among students and staff members enriches academic debate and contributes to the quality of our teaching and research. We therefore invite applicants from underrepresented groups in particular to apply. For more information, see also our diversity policy webpage: https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/policy-and-strategy/diversity-and-inclusion/

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the Recruitment code (NVP): https://www.nvp-hrnetwerk.nl/nl/sollicitatiecode and European Commission's European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code

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