Postdoctoral Researcher, Uncertainty Quantification for Goal-Oriented Inverse Wave Problems, Research Unit of Mathematical Sciences

The Inverse Problems Group at the University of Oulu is announcing a

Postdoctoral position on "Uncertainty Quantification for Goal-Oriented Inverse Wave Problems".

The position is located at the Research Unit of Mathematical Sciences, which has an internationally strong position at the forefront of research in its focus areas. The Inverse Problems Group within the Research Unit is a member of the Finnish Center of Excellence in Inverse Problems Research, funded by the Research Council of Finland for the period 2018 – 2025 and FAME - Flagship of Advanced Mathematics for Sensing, Imaging and Modelling (2024-2031).

About the project

Waves are widely used as versatile imaging tools in fields like medical imaging, geophysics, and electromagnetic imaging. Their ability to propagate non-intrusively and interact with otherwise inaccessible materials makes them invaluable for various applications. However, extracting meaningful information from scattered waves is computationally expensive and complex.

Inverse wave problems are further complicated by physical and computational limitations, often involving incomplete data and nonlinearities in the inverse problem. These challenges make traditional solution methods inefficient and inadequate for many real-world applications.

This project leverages advanced uncertainty quantification methods to address the ill-posed nature of inverse wave problems and identify the most probable solutions. Additionally, we will employ goal-oriented approaches to tackle challenges like large-scale image reconstruction and separate the linear and nonlinear components of the inverse problem, significantly reducing computational complexity.

The postdoc position is aimed at advancing the theoretical foundations of inverse wave problems, developing innovative computational algorithms, and apply these methods to practical applications, particularly in geophysical and medical imaging.

The project will be conducted at the Research Unit of Mathematical Sciences under the supervision of Assistant Professor Babak Maboudi Afkham and Associate Professor Andreas Hauptmann in collaboration with partners within the FAME consortium and abroad.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team within the Finnish Center of Excellence in Inverse Problems Research and the FAME - Flagship of Advanced Mathematics for Sensing, Imaging and Modelling, where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• Development and career options provided by the University of Oulu.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education and healthcare system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Eligibility

A doctoral degree in a related field of Inverse Problems, such as applied Mathematics, applied physics, computer science, or a related field, obtained within less than 10 years.

The ideal candidate should have experience in Inverse Problems and their computational solution. Experience with inverse wave problems and/or uncertainty quantification will be of benefit. Programming skills in Matlab or Python are essential. Exceptionally strong applicants in other areas of inverse problems will be considered too.

Grounds of assessment

Special emphasis will be given to research expertise within the subject field, demonstrated by outstanding international publications and demonstration of independent research. Pedagogical expertise, including teaching experience, pedagogical training and the skill to create teaching material will be taking into account.

Work abroad and other international experience will be regarded as an asset.

You are expected to be able to renew their research activities as well as those of the research unit and to establish independent research directions. The long-term development potential as well as the ability to establish and develop research collaboration is significant. Any evidence of acquiring external research funding will also be significant.

The potential to develop and lead research activities is important.

Duties

The new postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for developing research, teaching and supervision of the Research Unit. The candidate is expected to actively participate in doctoral supervision.

The total teaching duties will not exceed 20 % of the working time.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 2 years and can be filled starting 01.01.2025 or as soon as possible after.

The salary will be based on the level 5 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 3600-4000 € per month (before taxes).

A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by November 15^th 2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Cover letter
2. CV, following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. Research statement (max. two pages) with a special emphasis on how the plan benefits the project.
4. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland
5. Certificates/Diplomas
6. Contact details of 2 persons available for recommendation

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from different backgrounds, such as people of different ages, different genders and members of different language, cultural or minority groups.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact

Assistant Professor Babak Maboudi Afkham,
Research Unit of Mathematical Sciences, University of Oulu
babak.maboudi@oulu.fi

Associate Professor & Academy Research Fellow Andreas Hauptmann,
Research Unit of Mathematical Sciences, University of Oulu
andreas.hauptmann@oulu.fi