PhD student in Scientific Computing focusing on numerical computations of infrasound from volcanic activity - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Information Technology has a leading position in research and all levels of higher education. Today the department has 280 employees, including 120 academic staff and 110 full-time PhD students. The Department comprises research and education in a spectrum of areas within Computer Science, Information Technology and Scientific Computing. More than 4000 students take one or several courses offered by the Department each year.

The position is hosted by the Division of Scientific Computing within the Department of Information Technology. As one of the world’s largest focused research environments in Scientific Computing the research and education has a unique breadth, with large activities in classical scientific computing areas such as mathematical modeling, development and analysis of algorithms, scientific software development and high-performance computing. The division is currently in an expansive phase in new emerging areas such as cloud and fog computing, data science, and artificial intelligence, where it plays key roles in several new strategic initiatives at the University.

Our PhD programs in scientific computing has resulted in over 80 completed PhD theses over the years. Several PhD alumni in Scientific Computing from Uppsala University are successful practitioners in the field, in industry as well as in academia.

Project description: The PhD position offered is connected to a project grant to professor Ken Mattsson. This project concerns nonlinear mathematical models and accurate numerical methods, for reliable prognosis of nonlinear acoustic-gravity waves from seismic events, such as volcanic eruptions and shallow earthquakes. The governing equations in the atmosphere are essentially the compressible Navier-Stokes equations with addition of volcanic forcing and gravity. The main focus is to develop a numerical method that accurately solves the coupled system in collaboration with Stanford University and the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI).

This is an interdisciplinary project. Previous knowledge of high performance computing and numerical methods for initial-boundary value problems is a requirement. Previous knowledge of fluid dynamics and wave propagation is not a requirement, but the successful completion of the project will require an interest in the application area.

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Duties
The duties of a PhD student are primarily directed at their own research education, which lasts four years. The work may also involve, to a limited extent (maximum 20%) other departmental duties, such as teaching undergraduate courses and administrative tasks – in which case the position may be extended to a maximum of five years. 

Requirements
A PhD position at the Division requires a Master of Science or equivalent in a field that is relevant to the topic of the PhD thesis, good communication skills and excellent study results, as well as sufficient proficiency in oral and written English. Knowledge and experience in high performance computing, analysis of initial-boundary value problems and finite difference methods are of additional importance. 

Additional qualifications
Basic knowledge of fluid dynamics and wave propagation is considered to be an advantage.

Application: Your application should include

• a personal letter describing your background, relevant qualification, research interests and how you see that your background would contribute to the specific project.
• Curriculum Vitae,
• degree documents (for any completed degree) and transcript of records (including completed courses and grades) to support that you’re qualified for admission to education at the PhD level,
• list of publications (if any),
• copy of your master thesis, or a detailed description of the ongoing thesis work copy, including a plan for its completion, if not fully complete at the end of the application period,
• list of reference persons with contact details,
• any other supporting documentation demonstrating your suitability for the position.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as soon as possible or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Project leader Professor Ken Mattsson, ken.mattsson@it.uu.se, head of division  Professor Gunilla Kreiss. 

Please submit your application by 23 Mars 2022, UFV-PA 2022/794.

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