Stellenausschreibung

The Applied Mathematics: Institute for Analysis and Numerics at the University of Münster, Germany, (associated with the Cluster of Excellence “Mathematics Münster: Dynamics – Geometry – Structure”) invites applications for the position of a


Doctoral Research Associate
Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin/Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter
(part-time 0.75 FTE, salary level TV-L E13)

The position is available for the duration of three years and is expected to start in autumn 2020. Currently, the regular working time in Germany for full (100%) employment is 39 hours and 50 minutes per week.

The position is in Benedikt Wirth's research group and is part of a DFG-funded research project (jointly held with Peter Bella's group at TU Dortmund) in the DFG Priority Program 2256 "Variational Methods for Predicting Complex Phenomena in Engineering Structures and Materials". It focuses on mathematical research in the calculus of variations, or more specifically, the variational analysis of pattern formation in shape optimization. The research will be suitable for a PhD thesis topic. The successful candidate has the option to become a member of the Cluster of Excellence “Mathematics Münster: Dynamics – Geometry – Structure”.

Research tasks in the project will include:

  • rigorous analysis of energy-minimizing patterns in shape optimization and optimal transport-related problems
  • derivation of corresponding "energy scaling laws" (lower and upper energy bounds)
  • construction of near-optimal patterns, needed in the proofs of upper bounds and more refined pattern characterizations
  • potentially simple numerical simulations to guide the corresponding proofs

Requirement profile:

  • a master's degree in mathematics
  • good skills in analysis (in particular calculus of variations/convex analysis)
  • interest in rigorous mathematical analysis and the mathematics of mechanics and engineering applications
  • ability to work independently and in a team
  • a high level of motivation and enjoyment in scientific work
  • good English communication skills

The University of Münster is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing the proportion of women academics. Consequently, we actively encourage applications by women. Female candidates with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered within the framework of the legal possibilities. We also welcome applications from candidates with severe disabilities. Disabled candidates with equivalent qualifications will be preferentially considered.

Please submit your application electronically as a single pdf-file (including the usual documents such as CV, bachelor’s and master’s certificates) to seknum@uni-muenster.de by 15  July 2020.