Postdoctoral Fellow in Computational Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics consists of around 120 researchers, teachers, and support staff, and is organised into three main divisions: Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, and Computational Mathematics. All divisions contribute to education at the undergraduate and doctoral levels while maintaining active research profiles. The Department is located on the Albano campus in Stockholm, offering modern facilities and a well-equipped library for students and researchers alike.

Within the Department, the Division of Computational Mathematics focuses on mathematical modelling and the development of computational methods for studying complex systems across scales — from molecular structures to climate dynamics. Its research encompasses areas such as program logic and theorem proving, computational biology, numerical analysis of partial differential equations (including ice and ocean dynamics), computational statistics and machine learning, as well as algorithm design and discrete mathematics such as combinatorics and optimisation.

More information about us, please visit: the Department of Mathematics.

Project description

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to improve and analyse time-stepping schemes for simulations of glacial ice dynamics. The motivation is the need for more reliable predictions of how ice sheets and glaciers respond to climate change. The project builds on a stabilization method that allows much larger time-steps than previously possible. Thanks to the stabilization, step length is now limited by accuracy rather than numerical stability, but there is still little rigorous understanding of how accuracy depends on time-step size, which varies substantially over the course of a simulation. The project's aim is twofold: to deepen the theoretical understanding of the stabilized scheme, and to translate this understanding into a practical, adaptive algorithm that automatically selects the largest time-step preserving the desired accuracy. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the research direction and contribute both methodologically and computationally.

Main responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to further develop theory for the convergence of the stabilized time-stepping scheme, work that involves analysing a free-boundary problem coupled to the Stokes equations. Building on this theory, the postdoctoral researcher will construct an adaptive algorithm, implement and test the methods in the established ice-sheet modelling tool Elmer/Ice, and carry out numerical experiments with application to, for example, the Ryder Glacier in northern Greenland. Duties also include collaborating with researchers in glaciology, authoring scientific papers, and presenting results at international conferences.

Qualification requirements

In order to qualify for a Postdoctoral position, applicants are required to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant degree from another country. The degree must have been completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment criteria

It is considered an advantage if the doctoral degree or an equivalent degree was completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Under special circumstances, an older degree may also be an advantage. Special circumstances refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

Applicants must have a foreign doctoral degree, i.e. a doctoral degree obtained at an institution outside Sweden, or a degree deemed equivalent to this.

Applicants should have a strong background in numerical analysis or scientific computing and experience with time-stepping methods and the finite element method (FEM), preferably applied to fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, or other moving-boundary problems. Prior experience with Earth-science applications is an advantage but not required — domain-specific knowledge can be acquired within the group. Strong communication skills and an interest in interdisciplinary collaboration, for example with geophysics and glaciology, are highly valued.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills and the relevance of the candidate's scientific background.

About the employment

The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date as per agreement.

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favourable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Josefin Ahlkrona, ahlkrona@math.su.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

Anställningsform: tidsbegränsad anställning | Anställningens omfattning: heltid | Antal lediga befattningar: 1 | Sysselsättningsgrad: 100 % | Ort: Stockholm | Län: Stockholms län | Land: Sweden | Referensnummer: SU FV-2771-26 | Facklig företrädare: ST/OFR ST/OFR 08162000, ST/OFR ST/OFR 08162000, Saco-S Saco-S 08162000, Saco-S Saco-S 08162000, Seko Seko 0770457900, Seko Seko 0770457900, | Publicerat: 2026-08-31 | Sista ansökningsdag: 2026-10-15