PhD Position in Applied Mathematics at ETH Zurich, Switzerland

website link: http://www.sam. math.ethz. ch/news/jobs

PhD positions on sparse tensor approximation methods for high-dimensional transport problems

The Seminar for Applied Mathematics of ETH Zuerich (http://www.sam. math.ethz. ch/)offers a full PhD position in the framework of a project on "Sparse Tensor Approximation Methods for High-Dimensional Transport Problems".

Sparse tensor product approximations also known as sparse grids have emerged as a powerful tool for the numerical treatment of high-dimensional problems in areas as diverse as quantitative finance, deterministic methods for stochastic PDEs, and data mining. The area is still rapidly evolving and offers fascinating research opportunities. Researchers at the Seminar for Applied Mathematics of ETH Zuerich are among the leaders in the field.

In this project sparse tensor product approximation is to be explored as a novel approach to kinetic equations, see http://dx.doi. org/10.1016/ j.jcp.2008. 02.025 . The PhD project will have a focus on efficient algorithms and data structures, which is an exciting challenge in its own right. The PhD work will be jointly supervised by Prof. C. Schwab and Prof. R. Hiptmair.

The positions is temporary and limited to 3-4 years after a three month period of probation. The holder will be regular ETH research staff and receive a gross salary of roughly 66,000 Swiss Francs (about
EUR 41.000, USD 55.000). The positions will involve teaching of tutorial lectures, supervision of undergraduate students, and grading of examinations equivalent to a total workload of about 10h/week.

Candidates must have a master or diploma degree in mathematics, a (computational) engineering discipline, or in (computational) science. Their education record should indicate strong interest and exceptional skills in computer simulation as well as familiarity with important numerical methods for the approximate solution partial differential equations (finite elements, finite volumes, etc.). Experience with object oriented programming in C++ is essential.

Knowledge of German is not required, but the candidates must possess good communication skills and should be fluent in English, both oral and in writing.

Applications should be sent electronically (as PDF files) to Ms.Ballarin (ballarin@sam. math.ethz. ch). They must include
* a curriculum vita complete with date of birth and family status
* a complete record of academic education including grades and all achievements.
* abstracts of theses (master etc.) and descriptions of projects done before graduation. (include theses, reports and papers, if possible) * Complete addresses (including e-mail) of two established academic researchers who can give an assessment of the candidate's skills.

Deadline: March 31, 2009 (position may be filled on a first come first served basis)