Research Associate
School of Mathematics & Statistics
Reference no. 451/0220F

• Opportunity to contribute to the research and development of a discovery project `Mathematics for breaking limits of speed and density in magnetic memories’
• Do you want to be part of a vibrant and collegial community of world-class mathematicians and statisticians?
• Full-time, 2 year fixed-term contract. Base salary: $94,629-$101,018 p.a. (Level A,6+) plus annual leave loading and a generous employer’s contribution to superannuation.

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney is welcoming applications for a Research Associate in Stochastic Partial Differential Equations to join the School of Mathematics and Statistics. This position is funded by an Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Project Grant “Mathematics for breaking limits of speed and density in magnetic memories” held by Ben Goldys, Kim-Ngan Le and Thanh Tran. The technology of magnetic memories is grounded in the theory of strongly nonlinear systems of partial differential equation closely related to the nonlinear Schrodinger equation and to the so-called heat flow for sphere-valued harmonic maps. Solutions of such a system of equations develop singularities and vortex type solutions that are expected to lead to new types of magnetic memories operating in nano-scales. In such scales random fluctuations can modify behaviour of solutions hence the aforementioned equations must be modified to include random terms.

The aim of this project is to develop innovative mathematical theory and numerical algorithms for solutions of stochastic partial differential equations that describe properties of magnetization in ferromagnetic materials. The mathematical toolset will include analytical methods from stochastic analysis, partial differential equations, multiscale analysis and the theory of dynamical systems.

This is an opportunity to conduct research in a collaborative research team based at the Schools of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Sydney, the University of New South Wales, and Monash University. Teaching is not a requirement, however opportunities to teach may be available if desired. You must have expertise either in stochastic analysis or partial differential equation, ideally in both. You will be familiar with one of these disciplines and be willing to learn the relevant parts of the other one.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Research Associate who possesses experience in the following areas:

• a PhD in Mathematics (either awarded or submitted with reports received recommending award)
• demonstrated expertise in either Stochastic Differential Equations or Partial Differential Equations (preferred in both)
• demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality research either independently or as part of a research team
• published research as sole author or in collaboration
• demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communication

About us

The Faculty of Science is one of six faculties operating within the University and includes the Schools of Chemistry, Geosciences, Life and Environmental Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Physics, Psychology, the Sydney School of Veterinary Science and History and Philosophy of Science. The Faculty stewards a range of research entities including the Sydney Institute of Agriculture and the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, and partners with University-wide research centres including the Charles Perkins Centre (CPC), the Brain and Mind Centre (BMC) and the Australian Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology (AINST).

The School of Mathematics and Statistics of the University of Sydney is one of the largest in Australia. It has more than 89 academic staff to supervise research and teaching 82 postgraduate students and 1,620 equivalent full-time student load undergraduate students. The School is world-renowned for its research in pure mathematics, applied mathematics and mathematical statistics. The School attracts a strong body of excellent students as well as a large number of outstanding researchers, many of whom hold Fellowships and grants.
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 https://sydney.edu.au/about-us/careers-at-sydney.html and search by the reference number 451/0220F to apply.

Routine pre-employment probity checks will be carried out for this position.

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

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

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.