Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Physics-Adapted Numerical Methods, HVL, Norway

Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), Norway, invites applications for a 3-year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Physics-Adapted Numerical Methods. The position is part of the Research Council of Norway-funded PANum (Physics-Adapted Numerical Methods for Two-Phase Flow) project, conducted jointly with Hasselt University, Belgium.

The project focuses on developing robust, efficient, and physically consistent numerical methods for simulating two-phase flow, with potential applications in areas such as CO₂ storage and fuel-cell design. The successful candidate will contribute to the development, mathematical analysis, and implementation of numerical methods within an open-source computational framework.

Job Summary Table

Designation

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Physics-Adapted Numerical Methods

The position is classified as Position Code 1352 under the Norwegian Government’s salary regulations.

Research Area

The research will focus on:

• Numerical analysis for ordinary and partial differential equations (ODEs/PDEs)
• Physics-adapted numerical methods
• Mathematical modelling and numerical simulation
• Two-phase flow
• Robust and efficient computational algorithms
• Scientific programming and open-source software
• Asymptotic methods for PDEs
• Applications including CO₂ storage and fuel-cell design

The overall objective of the PANum project is to develop numerical algorithms that not only minimize numerical errors but also preserve important physical properties of the simulated system.

Location

The position will be based at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) in either:

• Campus Bergen – Inndalsveien 28, 5063 Bergen
• Campus Førde – Svanehaugvegen 1, 6812 Førde

The research will be conducted within the Engineering Computing research group at HVL in collaboration with the Computational Mathematics group (CMAT) at Hasselt University, Belgium.

Eligibility / Qualification

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Educational Qualification

• A PhD degree in Computer Science, Simulation Science, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related discipline.
• Candidates who have submitted their PhD thesis before the application deadline may also apply, provided the PhD is awarded within four weeks after the application deadline.
• The candidate’s scientific profile must be relevant to numerical methods for ODEs and PDEs.

Required Technical Expertise

Applicants must have a strong background in both:

1. Numerical analysis for ODEs and PDEs
2. Scientific programming, using one or more of:
   • Python
   • MATLAB
   • C++
   • Julia
   • Similar scientific programming languages

Advantageous Experience

The following will strengthen an application:

• Collaborative software/code development
• Git and other version-control systems
• Asymptotic methods for PDEs
• Two-scale asymptotic expansions
• Matched asymptotic expansions
• Experience working across theoretical and applied research

Additional Selection Criteria

Candidates will also be assessed based on:

• Quality and relevance of the PhD thesis
• Quality and relevance of academic publications
• Ability to work at the intersection of theoretical and applied research
• Research independence and initiative
• Ability to collaborate effectively
• Experience leading the preparation of research papers
• Research and scientific leadership potential
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English

Job Description

The successful candidate will join the PANum project, a collaborative research initiative between Western Norway University of Applied Sciences and Hasselt University.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and analysing advanced numerical methods for two-phase flow.
• Designing numerical methods that preserve important physical properties of the underlying mathematical models.
• Investigating robust, efficient, and low-error numerical algorithms.
• Implementing developed methods in an open-source computational framework.
• Contributing to mathematical modelling and numerical analysis of ODEs and PDEs.
• Collaborating with researchers, PhD students, and master’s students involved in the PANum project.
• Publishing research findings in high-quality scientific journals and conferences.
• Contributing to collaborative research activities with national and international partners.
• Supporting the development of computational methods relevant to applications such as CO₂ storage and fuel cells.

The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with Professor Carina Bringedal, Erlend Storvik, Associate Professor Jochen Schütz, and other researchers associated with the PANum project.

The successful candidate will also develop an individual career plan with the institute, identifying research and professional skills to be developed during the fellowship. Career guidance will be available.

Benefits

The position offers:

• A stimulating research environment with strong international collaboration.
• Annual work-expense funding for activities such as conferences, research visits, and equipment.
• Opportunities to work on interdisciplinary theoretical and applied research.
• An open and inclusive academic working environment.
• Favourable terms under the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• Access to career development and guidance.

The position is subject to a compulsory 2% deduction to the pension fund.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through Jobbnorge using the “Apply for this job” option.

Applicants should upload the following documents:

1. Cover letter of maximum one page describing:
   • Research interests
   • Motivation for joining the PANum project
   • Detailed justification of qualifications against the stated requirements
2. CV, including education, employment history, and a complete publication list.
3. PhD thesis.
4. Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD transcripts and diplomas.
5. If the PhD has not yet been awarded, an official statement confirming submission of the PhD thesis.
6. Copies of up to 5 selected academic publications.
7. Contact details for 2 references, including their name, relationship to the applicant, email address, and telephone number.

Applicants with qualifications obtained outside Norway must provide the required recognition documentation showing equivalence to a Norwegian bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree. Certified translations must be provided for documents that are not in English or a Scandinavian language.

Short-listed candidates may be invited for an interview and research presentation.

Applications must be submitted electronically before the deadline. Applications sent by email or directly to individual staff members will not be accepted.

Last Date for Apply

23 October 2026

Employer: Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), Norway

Application: Online through Jobbnorge

• View Job on Jobbnorge.no