PhD position in applied and computational mathematics - porous media (Work Package 4)

The Department of Mathematics has a vacancy for a research fellow (PhD position) for a period of 3 years starting on 1 September 2016.

The position is part of the project “Thermo-Mechanical Energy Storage (TheMSES)”, which is part of the “Excellent Research” (Norwegian: Toppforsk) scheme of the Research Council of Norway. The PhD project will be conducted in the Porous Media research group, a team of approximately five faculty, researchers, postdoctoral researchers, PhD students and MSc students.

About the project/work tasks:

The main objective of the TheMSES project is establish the mathematical models and numerical methods required to assess and develop subsurface energy storage.

The PhD project related to this announcement concerns the understanding of how fractures can be created and opened as a consequence of change in flow and temperature in the subsurface when hot fluids are pumped down at elevated pressures and later produced. The current announcement pertains to Work Package 4, and will mainly focus on linear and non-linear solvers for simulation of coupled fluid flow, heat transport and rock mechanics in the setting of energy storage. In particular, the project will focus on solvers for fractured rocks, and seek to incorporate known features of the solution, such as a cyclic injection pattern, into the numerical methods. Depending on the interest and relevant experience of the candidate, the project may emphasize both theoretical analysis and numerical tests of the developed methods.

The TheMSES project involves all faculty in the porous media group, and will in total recruit 4 PhD students and 3 post docs to cover the research goals of the project. Please see http://themses.b.uib.no for further information, and http://jobbnorge.no for related announcements.

Qualifications and personal qualities:

• The applicant must hold a master’s degree, or have submitted his/her master's thesis for assessment, in applied and computational mathematics, or, alternatively, in physics, geoscience or equivalent, prior to application deadline. It is a condition of employment that the master's degree has been awarded.
• Solid background in mathematical modelling, computational methods and numerical simulation, and preferably have experience with applications in rock mechanics, poroelasticity and/or porous media flow.
• Ability to work independently and in a structured manner, and to cooperate with others.
• Fluency in both written and oral English

About the PhD position

The fellowship position is for a fixed term of 3 years. The employment period may be reduced if you have previously been employed in a recruitment position.

 About the research training

As a research fellow you must take part in an approved study programme leading to a PhD degree to be completed within a time period of 3 years. It is therefore a requirement that you meet thecriteria for admission to the PhD study programme at the University of Bergen.

 A final plan for the implementation of the research training must be approved by the faculty within three months after you have commenced in the position.

We can offer:

• A good and professionally challenging working environment.
• Salary at pay grade 50 (Code 1017) currently NOK 430 500 gross p.a.. Further promotions are made according to qualifications and length of service in the position.
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• An inclusive workplace (IA enterprise).
• Good welfare benefits.

Your application must include:

• A brief account of the applicant's research interests and motivation for applying for the position.
• The names and contact information for two reference persons. One of these may be the main advisor for the master's thesis or equivalent thesis.
• CV
• Transcripts and diplomas showing completion of the bachelor's and master's degrees, or official confirmation that the master's thesis has been submitted.
• Relevant certificates/references.
• A list of any works of a scientific nature (publication list).
• Any publications in your name.

The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge.

Closing date for applications: 5 June 2016

General information:

For further information about the position please contact Researcher Eirik Keilegavlen, email: Eirik.Keilegavlen@math.uib.no / phone no: +47 55 582831.

The state labour force shall reflect the diversity of Norwegian society to the greatest extent possible. Age and gender balance among employees is therefore a goal. It is also a goal to recruit people with immigrant backgrounds. People with immigrant backgrounds and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the position.

We encourage women to apply. If multiple applicants have approximately equivalent qualifications, the rules pertaining to moderate gender quotas shall apply.

The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.

Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.

The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at all times.

Applications sent by e-mail to individuals at the department will not be considered.