Doctoral student in Mathematical General Relativity

We are looking for a Doctoral student at the division Analysis and Probability Theory within the Department of Mathematical Sciences. The research project is inmathematical general relativity, with Thomas Bäckdahl as supervisor.

About us

The Department of Mathematical Sciences as the Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg has about 200 employees and is the largest department of mathematics in Sweden. We have an international environment with frequent exchanges with other universities around the world. We provide a friendly, creative and supportive atmosphere with a steady flow of international guests. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all our activities. We work actively to be a parent-friendly organization.

About the research project 

In this Doctoral project, you will study the mathematics of general relativity. This includes investigations of quasi-linear PDE systems in strongly curved geometries. Of particular interest are problems related to black holes, their stability, uniqueness, decay of fields around them, details about their geometry etc. This is a highly active field with research groups around the world.

In this project, you will learn to combine modern analysis techniques like Morawetz estimates with Penrose's Nobel prize winning geometrical insights and formalisms, intricate symmetry operators, spinor techniques and powerful computer algebra tools to efficiently study these problems. A particularly useful technique is to study how different kinds of symmetries can characterize a spacetime and give a manifestly coordinate independent way to measure metric perturbations. The symmetries also yield powerful analysis tools. The nature of the tools also allows broad applicability to other PDE problems.
The research project is funded by the Swedish Research Council and will be supervised by Associate Professor Thomas Bäckdahl.

Who we are looking for

• Applicants must have a strong background and interest in mathematics, as evidenced by excellent course grades and undergraduate thesis work.
• By the time the employment starts, you must have a Master's degree (

  We look forward to your application!

  *** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 

  Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
  Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.