[UK} Postdoctoral in University of Oxford

United Kingdom – Postdoctoral Research Position in Mathematical Modelling of Growth in Physical and Biological Systems in University of Oxford

Vacancy Reference: BK/09/033
Grade: 7
Salary Range: Starting Salary £28,839-£30,594
Appointment Term: 3 years

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral research position, funded by the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Global Research Partnership (GRP), to work with Professor Alain Goriely at the newly established Oxford Centre for Collaborative Applied Mathematics (OCCAM). This position is available from 1 March 2010.

OCCAM has been established with substantial funding from the KAUST GRP. The Centre, which is part of the Mathematical Institute, is allied to a global network of mathematicians. Aiming to meet the ever-increasing global demand for quantitative understanding of complex scientific phenomena, OCCAM has been built on the strength of four pre-existing groups of applied and computational mathematicians working in Oxford: the Oxford Centre for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, the Centre for Mathematical Biology, the Numerical Analysis Group and the Computational Biology Group. It has a symbiotic relationship with other scientific communities which have a need for problem-solving mathematics both within the University of Oxford and beyond. Over the first five years the Centre will employ 40 new staff and students.

Growth processes are found in many physical and biological systems such as planetary accretion, morphogenesis, and tumour progression. The project will involve developing mathematical tools for the analysis of growth processes within the framework of continuum mechanics. In particular, the project will focus on accretive growth (the deposition and accretion of new materials on existing surfaces). Accretive growth has applications to physical, biological, and industrial problems, such as planet genesis from dust clouds, secondary growth in trees, glacier and snow buildup, horn and seashell expansion, bone growth, wound healing, coil winding, and surface hardening.

The main goal is to formulate a general theory of accretive growth based on nonlinear elasticity and thermodynamics, and differential geometry. The modelling of specific systems will involve the derivation of coupled nonlinear continuum equations, and the solution of these equations using analytical and numerical techniques.

Applicants should have a PhD (awarded or submitted at the time of taking up the position) in mathematics or related discipline, together with expertise in applied mathematics and continuum mechanics. Experience with modelling of experimental systems and knowledge of differential geometry is desirable.

Further particulars may be obtained from the Administrative Assistant at The Mathematical Institute, 24-29 St Giles, Oxford, OX1 3LB, email vacancies[ at ]maths.ox.ac.uk and at https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/notices/vacancies . Applications should include a Curriculum Vitae, a covering letter explaining your suitability for the position and how you meet the selection criteria, and the names and contact details of two referees.

Applications must arrive by noon on 8 January 2010. Ensure that you clearly quote the reference BK/09/033. Candidates should ask their referees to send their references directly to the Administrative Assistant, Mathematical Institute so that they arrive before the closing date. It is the responsibility of candidates to ensure that their references arrive by the closing date. Interviews for this position will be held late January.

Committed to equality and valuing diversity.

Closing Date: 08/01/2010

Further particulars: Further particulars.pdf