Full-time, 2 year fixed term contract. Base salary: 94,629p.a.−101,018 p.a. (Level A,6+), plus annual leave loading and employer’s contribution to superannuation
Located at CBD Campus, Camperdown

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney is welcoming applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (Level A) in Dynamical Systems to work on the project “A Novel Geometric Approach to Shocks in Reaction-Nonlinear Diffusion Models” which has recently been funded by the ARC (Australian Research Council). Reaction-nonlinear diffusion models play a vital role in the study of cell migration and population dynamics. However, the presence of aggregation, or backward diffusion, leads to the formation of shock waves – distinct, sharp interfaces between different populations of densities of cells – and the breakdown of the model.

The aim of this project is to develop new geometric methods to explain the formation and temporal evolution of shock waves in regularised reaction-nonlinear diffusion models and devise innovative tools in singular perturbation theory and stability analysis that will identify key parameters in the creation of shock waves, as well as their dynamic behaviour.

This is an opportunity to conduct research in a collaborative research team. You will be based at the School of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Sydney and supervised by CIs Marangell and Wechselberger and interact with additional nodes at the University of South Australia (CI Hajek), and Queensland University of Technology (CI van Heijster).

The successful applicant will initiate and construct numerical algorithms for multiple scale problems which are necessary for the existence analysis and develop a numerical toolbox for the stability analysis of regularised reaction-nonlinear diffusion problems.

The role will require carrying out scientific research and preparing and presenting scientific results in papers and conferences, co-supervising undergraduate and graduate research students, assisting in the recruitment of research students and continuously working towards attracting new funding. Additionally, you will help to coordinate the research of different researchers.

About you

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate who possesses experience in the following areas:

A PhD in (Applied) Mathematics or close to completion
Proven research ability, and evidence of self-motivation and research potential
Proven excellence in written and oral communications, interacting with a variety of researchers and stakeholders
Demonstrated excellence in research within mathematics through published research in refereed journals
Demonstrated theoretical and numerical expertise in either geometric singular perturbation theory or stability analysis of partial differential equations.
Proven ability to solve and analyse PDE problems numerically.
Knowledge in modelling and analysis of biological pattern generation is desirable
Proven ability to write and contribute to mathematical research papers
About us

We’re Australia’s first university and have a global reputation for academic and research excellence. Across our campuses, we employ over 6000 academic and non-academic staff who support over 60,000 students.

The School of Mathematics and Statistics is a leading centre for research and education in the mathematical sciences in Australia. We attract outstanding undergraduate students and have a large cohort of postgraduate research students. The large cohort of postgraduate research students and many overseas visitors benefit from, and help to sustain, a world-class research environment. The School attracts significant research funding in the form of Australian Research Council grants, fellowships, and other competitive external funding and is home to the University of Sydney Mathematical Research Institute which has attracted $6.5M of philanthropic funding to date.

The University is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups, including women and people with disabilities are encouraged. The University of Sydney has established a scheme to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff employed across the institution, and applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are also encouraged.

Late applications will be accepted but cannot be guaranteed consideration. Applicants seeking appointment at higher levels than those advertised should in the first instance contact the Head of School for a discussion. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

How to apply

For more information on the position and University, please view the position description available from the job’s listing on the University of Sydney careers website.

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website. Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference number 448/0220F to apply.

Closing date: 11:30pm, Wednesday 8 April 2020 (Sydney Time)

The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged.