Postdoctoral Researcher: Analysis of Quasilinear Parabolic PDEs

• 32 - 40 hours per week
• Maximum gross monthly salary: € 4,402
• Faculty of Science
• Required background: PhD
• Duration of the contract: 3 years
• Application deadline: 20 September 2020

We are looking for

We invite applications for a postdoctoral position in the field of partial differential equations funded through the NWO grant OCENW.KLEIN.358. The project addresses quasilinear parabolic equations arising in mathematical models for biofilm growth. The position is for three years, does not include any teaching duties, and will be supervised by Dr Stefanie Sonner. The starting date is flexible but must be no later than January 2021. Applicants from groups that are underrepresented in science are particularly encouraged to apply.

The research project focuses on the mathematical analysis of quasilinear reaction diffusion systems modelling the growth and formation of bacterial biofilms. Their characteristic feature are the degenerate diffusion coefficients for the biomass fractions comprising a power-law degeneracy (known from the porous medium equation) and a super diffusion singularity. The aim is to establish well-posedness results and to investigate qualitative properties of solutions such as their regularity and long-time behaviour. Applicants should hold a PhD degree in mathematics and be familiar with nonlinear partial differential equations and/or reaction-diffusion systems.

We ask

• You should hold a PhD degree in mathematics, or be on track to obtain one before the start of the project.
• You are familiar with nonlinear partial differential equations and/or reaction-diffusion systems.
• You are an enthusiastic mathematician and are eager to contribute to the research project.
• You are able to work in a team as well as independently.
• You have a good level of language proficiency in English.

We are

The Department of Mathematics at Radboud University (Nijmegen, Netherlands) is part of the Institute for Mathematics, Astrophysics, and Particle Physics at the Faculty of Science. The department represents a broad range of research fields, including pure and applied analysis, algebraic geometry and topology, number theory, functional analysis, mathematical physics, non-commutative geometry and applied stochastics.

The Department of Mathematics has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. We organise regular research seminars, a range of specialist lectures, and a number of informal events throughout the year.

Radboud University

We want to get the best out of science, others and ourselves. Why? Because this is what the world around us desperately needs. Leading research and education make an indispensable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This is what unites the more than 22,000 students and 5,000 employees at Radboud University. And this requires even more talent, collaboration and lifelong learning. You have a part to play!

We offer

• Employment: 32 - 40 hours per week.
• A maximum gross monthly salary of € 4.402 based on a 38-hour working week (salary scale 10).
• The exact salary depends on the candidate's qualifications and amount of relevant professional experience.
• In addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Duration of the contract: you will be appointed for an initial period of 12 months, after which your contract can be extended by up to 2 years.
• The intended start date is January 2021 at the latest and to be decided in consultation with you (preferably as soon as possible).
• You will be able to make use of our Dual Career Service: our Dual Career Officer will assist with family-related support, such as child care, and help your partner prepare for the local labour market and with finding an occupation.
• Are you interested in our excellent employment conditions?

Would you like more information?

For more information about this vacancy, please contact:
Dr Stefanie Sonner, Assistant Professor
Tel.: +31 24 3652993
Email: s.sonner@ru.nl

Apply directly

Please address your application to Dr Stefanie Sonner and submit it, using the application button, no later than 20 September 2020, 23:59 Amsterdam Time Zone.   

Your application should include the following attachments:

• A motivation Letter.
• CV.
• A short research statement (max. two pages).
• A transcript of your PhD certificate.
• The names and contact details of two referees willing to write a letter of recommendation.

We drafted this vacancy to find and hire our new colleague ourselves. Recruitment agencies are kindly requested to refrain from responding.