探花社区

Funded by the German Research Foundation, the

Collaborative Research Center CRC 1701 鈥淧ort-Hamiltonian Systems鈥�

is inviting applications for

a doctoral student position, as a research assistant (f/m/d)
located at University of Wuppertal, starting at the earliest possible date with a maximum duration until 31st December 2028 with 75% of the tariff working hours (pay grade: 13 TV-L).

The position covers structure-preserving scientific machine learning for port-Hamiltonian ordinary differential equations and differential-algebraic equations.

Port Hamiltonian systems represent an important and attractive new paradigm for the mathematical modeling of coupled dynamical systems. Through a systematic formulation of the ports (inputs), several systems can be coupled or large systems can be broken down into subsystems without losing their central properties.

The position focuses on learning the dynamics of port-Hamiltonian ordinary differential equations and differential-algebraic equations. Gaussian processes can be used herein as surrogate models that make it possible to treat nonlinear Hamiltonian or effort functions in port-Hamiltonian differential equations, even and especially if they are not explicitly known. The particular work will be on how such surrogate models can be constructed from measured and synthetic data, in an efficient way, while preserving the special structure of the underlying system, hence it is a special stricter kind of being physics-informed.

The project of the Collaborative Research Center is under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Peter Zaspel and Prof. Dr. Michael G眉nther. The international team of Prof. Peter Zaspel focuses on methods development in machine learning, uncertainty quantification and high performance computing, with context of applications from the natural sciences, engineering and beyond. It is embedded in the research group on Scientific Computing and High Performance Computing. For more details, see and . In his research group Applied and Computational Mathematics the research of Prof. Dr. Michael G眉nther focuses on time integration methods for all types of (coupled) dynamical systems, with a focus on port-Hamiltonian ODEs, DAEs and PDEs with applications ranging from Computational Physics, Computational Finance to Computational Electronics. For more details see .

You can look forward to:

• an excellent research environment and a vibrant interdisciplinary community,
• international cooperation and exchange,
• research that pushes the boundaries of the theory of port-Hamiltonian systems,
• supportive supervision and professional trainings which prepare you to excel in research, stimulate crossing borders between disciplines, and include transferable skills and career development opportunities.

Professional and personal recruitment requirements:
We are looking for highly motivated, excellent and open-minded applicants with a university degree (M.Sc. or comparable) in mathematics, computer science, physics, or related field. Sound knowledge in (scientific) machine learning, and knowledge in numerical analysis and numerical linear algebra are expected. Knowledge in parallel programming is desirable. Prior knowledge in differential-algebraic equations, Gaussian processes or kernel based methods is a plus; programming experience in Python or C/C++ is expected. A good command of English is essential, both as the local working language and because of international collaborations. We look for a competent personality with initiative and commitment, who has the ability to work independently and in collaborations.

Responsibilities and duties:

• collaboration in the project 鈥淒ata-driven surrogate modelling for differential-algebraic port-Hamiltonian systems鈥� of the CRC 1701,
• joint development and publication of scientific articles, presentation of results at workshops and conferences,
• increasingly independent development of research ideas and preparation of a dissertation,
• Participation in networking within the members of the CRC, within the faculty and the cooperating faculties, nationally and internationally,
• participation and involvement in the offers of the structured doctoral program of the CRC 1701.

At the University of Wuppertal, we value the diversity of our university members and try to resolutely counter discrimination of any kind. We are committed to equality, equal opportunities and the compatibility of family and career in order to be able to live up to our claim of excellent research. These values are also central to the CRC 1701.

We provide a welcoming onboarding process and support you to integrate into a possibly new and different cultural environment. Individual trainings and further educational opportunities promote your personal and professional development. We offer a pleasant and collegial working atmosphere, flexible working hours with, if appropriate, the option of partly working from home. Other benefits include the additional pension scheme of the public service (LBV), participation in university sports and varied meal options in the campus canteens.

This is a qualification position within the meaning of the Science Time Contract Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz 鈥� WissZeitVG) which serves to carry out a third-party funded research project. The duration of the employment contract shall be appropriate to the scientific qualification sought.

Reference number: 25063

Applications must be submitted via the online portal of the University of Wuppertal:

The application consists of the following documents:

• cover letter explaining your motivation,
• a current curriculum vitae,
• the Bachelor's degree certificate, including diploma supplement,
• the Master's degree certificate, including diploma supplement. If the Master's certificate cannot yet be submitted, a proof of current achievements or a provisional examination certificate can also be submitted.

Please do not include a photo in your application documents. Only your qualifications and previous experience count for the selection. Incomplete applications cannot be considered!

The contact persons for the application are Prof. Dr. Peter Zaspel and Prof. Dr. Michael G眉nther.

The University of Wuppertal is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from persons of any gender and persons with disabilities as well as persons with an equivalent status are highly welcome. In accordance with the Gender Equality Act of North Rhine-Westphalia female applicants will be given preferential consideration unless there are compelling reasons in favour of an applicant who is not female. The same applies to applications from disabled persons, who will be given preference in the case of equal suitability.

Application deadline: 2025-04-08