PhD Research Fellow in Mathematical Modelling of Surface Water Flow

The Department of Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Mathematical Sciences at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, has a vacancy for a research fellow (PhD position) in mathematical modeling and simulation of surface water flow for 3 years.

The PhD research fellow will be part of the PhD programme in Computer Science: Software Engineering, Sensor Networks and Engineering Computing. The research programme in Computer Science currently includes 20 professors and associate professors, more than 30 PhD and post-doctoral fellows, and a large number of master’s students.

About the PhD project:

The goal of the project is to develop a simulation tool that, based on meterological and map data, can predict the water level in selected areas in Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. To make this happen the initial task of the project will be to derive a mathematical model (a partial differential equation) where the flow of water through soil is based on upscaled flow (Darcy-like), and the flow of water through rivers are described a lower dimentional channel flow. Additionally, coupling conditions for flow between land and reservoars (lakes) and rivers will play an important role. Melting of snow and glacier will, with rain, form the source of water in the system.

To be able to utilize the mathematical model for simulations, we aim to explore solution strategies to calculate the amount of water given meteorological data and map data. Here, in addition to traditional discretization methods such as finite elements and volumes, there is a plan to utilize modern machine learning strategies like "physics-informed neural networks." One of the main advantages of this approach is that measurements and observations made directly can be incorporated into the model to improve simulation results.

The work being conducted will therefore benefit mathematical fundamental research through modeling and numerical solution strategies of PDEs (partial differential equations) and enhance the understanding of surface water flow patterns. Not only is this important for more accurately predicting floods, but it is also of interest to the hydropower industry, as ideally, more precise information about water levels in reservoirs can improve electricity production.

Research environment

The computer science research environment at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences has a strong focus on use-inspired and applied research, and on ICT as an enabling technology. The research environment has cooperation with many national and international research groups, and with national and regional industry partners. The research programme includes the research themes of software engineering, engineering computing, sensor networks and measurement technologies, grid computing and physics data analysis, machine learning, and interactive and collaborative systems. The prospective PhD candidate will work in close cooperation with our current PhD students within the PhD programme.

PhD research fellows receive an annual work expense funding which can be used for conference participation, research visits, and equipment. The place of employment is Campus Førde.

Qualifications:

The PhD research fellow must hold a master's degree in computer science, medical technology, applied mathematics, or in a closely related field, with a strong emphasis on computing. A solid background in one or more of the following fields are required:

Numerical solution strategies for PDEs
Mathematical modelling.

Furthermore, experience within

machine learning,
parameter estimation/inverse modelling
physics of water flow
map data

will be considered an advantage when candidates are ranked. Experience with scientific programming using Python, MATLAB, C++, Julia, or similar is a requirement. Candidates who have submitted a master’s thesis (but who has not yet been awarded a master’s degree) may also qualify for the position provided that the master`s degree is awarded within 4 weeks after the application deadline. Candidates already holding a PhD within this field are not eligible for this position.

In addition to the required educational and scientific background, the following criteria will be evaluated: competence and grades on completed course work, quality of the master's thesis (excellent grade, equivalent of grade B or better on the ECTS grading system), publications (if any), research experience, practical programming skills and experience. The candidate will be expected to participate in teaching activities at basic bachelor and master level. Teaching experience and potential will be considered a strong advantage.

The candidate is expected to spend 3-6 months abroad at an international academic institution during the PhD project.

The candidate must be diligent and display the ability to work independently, supplemented with regular guidance, and is expected to carry out high-quality research and to publish the results in international conferences, and journals. In addition, the candidate must have good skills in English, both written and orally.

The PhD research fellow must enroll in the PhD programme in Computer Science: Software Engineering, Sensor Networks and Engineering Computing at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences and must meet the formal admission requirements for admission into the PhD programme. The employment period may be reduced if the successful applicant has held previous employment as a research fellow.

The PhD candidate will be assigned two academic supervisors at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. An application for enrolment should first be submitted after an appointment is made and the supervisor will help with this procedure. The candidate must be enrolled as a PhD student within 3 months from the start of the employment.

Western Norway University of Applied Sciences is subjected to the regulation for export control system. The regulation might be applied in the processing of the applications.

Application procedure:

Applications will be evaluated by an expert panel of three members.

Applicants are asked to submit their application and CV online. Please use the link “Apply for this job” (“Søk stillingen”).

The following documentation should be uploaded as an attachment to the online application:

Master Thesis
A short description of research interests and motivation for working within the current project
Copies of selected academic publications (if any)
Diplomas and certificates

If the documents submitted are not in a Scandinavian language or in English, the applicants must submit certified translations of these. The transcripts must specify the topics, the course works, and the grades at the bachelor`s and master`s degree levels.

Applicants with a degree from a country other than Norway, need to attach a certified translation of the diploma and transcripts of grades to English or a Scandinavian language, in addition to the original documents, if the original is not in any of these languages. It is required that the applicant encloses a recognition document showing that their degree is equivalent to a Norwegian bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD. You can read more about applying for recognition of foreign higher education here.

The Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir) offers an automatic recognition document for certain degrees from selected countries. If the applicant’s degree is covered by the automatic recognition, it will be sufficient to attach this document. Read more about automatic recognition here.

As the HK-dir application process may take some time it is recommended to apply to HK-dir as soon as possible. If you have not received a recognition document from HK- dir within the application deadline, please enclose documentation from HK-dir showing that they have received your application.

Applicants should note that the evaluation will be based on the documentation submitted electronically via Jobbnorge within the submission deadline. The applicants are responsible for ensuring that all the documentation is submitted before the closing date. It is of utmost importance that all publications to be considered in the evaluation are uploaded as an attachment with the application, since these are sent electronically to the expert panel. Applications cannot be sent by e-mail or to individuals at HVL.

Salary:

Good occupational pension, insurance and loan schemes from The Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
Exciting academic environment with the possibility of competence enhancement and development
Opportunities for training within the working hours

The Research Fellow position is compensated according to position code 1017 Research Fellow.

There is a compulsory 2 % deduction to the pension fund (see http://www.spk.no for more information). The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at any time.

General information:

The appointment will be made in accordance with the regulations for State employees Law in Norway ("Lov om statens ansatte)". Organizational changes and changes in the duties and responsibilities associated with the position must be expected.

State employment shall reflect the multiplicity of the population at large to the highest possible degree. Western Norway University of Applied Sciences Bergen has therefore adopted a personnel policy objective to ensure that we achieve a balanced age and gender composition and the recruitment of persons of various ethnic backgrounds.

Information about the applicant may be made public even though the applicant has requested not to be named in the list of applicants. The applicant will be notified if his/her request is not respected.

Short-listed applicants will be called in for an interview.

Employed on condition that you are granted a work and residence permit (must be considered individually).

Western Norway University of Applied Sciences is subjected to the regulation for export control system. The regulation will be applied in the processing of the applications.

Inclusion, challenging norms, collaboration

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