"Postdoctoral Fellow - Mathematics & Statistics"

The School of Mathematics and Statistics currently has more than eighty continuing academic staff and more than thirty research staff as well as visiting academics. UNSW is the only university in Australia to be ranked in the top 100 in the world in mathematics and statistics by CWTS Leiden, US News and QS. The School embodies a broad range of research interests in the areas of applied and pure mathematics, and statistics.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will undertake research within a five-year Laureate Fellow project funded by the Australian Research Council and UNSW Sydney. The project seeks to advance the analysis of dynamical systems through the development of novel techniques in functional analysis, operator theory, ergodic theory, differential geometry, and/or data science. Specific topics of focus include, but are not limited to, linear response, random and nonautonomous dynamical systems, spectral analysis, machine learning, data-driven dynamics, stability/perturbation theory/rigorous numerics.

Possible applications of the new theory include the analysis of spatiotemporal data arising from weather and climate observations/models and from models of social dynamics. Motivating aims include the discovery and analysis of hidden large-scale patterns in data/models, elucidating mechanisms underlying the emergence of these large-scale phenomena and their response to perturbations, and devising reliable automatic schemes for predicting this emergence and quantifying their response.

About the role

• Level A - $113K - $121K plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed term – 2 years (with possible 12-month extension based on performance and funding)
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

The role reports to Scientia Professor Gary Froyland and has no direct reports.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Development of theory that significantly advances the field of dynamical systems, using techniques from areas such as functional analysis, operator theory, ergodic theory, differential geometry, data science, and/or machine learning.
• Implement algorithms that efficiently analyse dynamical systems arising from idealised models or data.
• Collaborative publications in leading international mathematical and scientific journals.
• Provide comprehensive analysis and reports in relation to the research project in a timely and effective manner.
• Perform small-team research, coordinate research activities, and participate in the setting of future research directions of the project.
• Assist with the supervision and mentoring of PhD students to develop the next generation of academics (as per the norms of the discipline).
• Present results of research at conferences and other venues.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

About the successful applicant (Selection Criteria)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A PhD in Mathematics (or closely related discipline) or close to completion, preferably in dynamical systems and related areas.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• An outstanding track record of research publications (relative to career opportunities).
• Demonstrated high-level analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated capacity to deliver high-quality project outcomes in a timely manner.
• Computer programming experience, preferably with Julia and/or Matlab.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.