POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER (REF. 2022-027-P04611)

The CRM (www.crm.cat) is an independent research centre in the CERCA network since 2008, with the purpose of promoting both advanced training and research in all areas of mathematics, in collaboration with universities and other research institutions in Catalonia. CRM’s mission includes transferring knowledge based on the centre's research to society and aiming at having societal impact.

Research at CRM covers a wide spectrum of fields, from the most fundamental areas (algebra/number theory/geometry/topology, analysis and PDEs, combinatorics and dynamical systems) to applied mathematics (in the fields of biomedicine, climate change mitigation and adaptation and natural hazards).

The center is distinguished as a Maria de Maeztu Unit of Excellence by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (2020 Call) and holds the HRS4R award (Human Resources Strategy for Research; awarded by the European Commission) since 2016. The Unit hosts approximately 80 senior researchers and affiliated researchers from UPC's, UB's and UAB's Mathematics departments. Five of them are ERC Grantees.

Regarding training and exchange of knowledge, the CRM organizes 3-4 intensive research programs every year, welcoming 400 visiting researchers per year on average. Its aim is to connect the Catalan mathematics community with world-class practitioners (about 70% of the participants are international).

The CRM in Barcelona is seeking a:

Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher

Research area or group: Knowledge Transfer Unit (KTU) 

Description of Group/Project:

One of the backbones of the CRM, explicitly stated in its statutes, is the transmission of the research carried out within the centre. It is considered important to disseminate both the knowledge obtained and the methodologies used, seeking to maximize their social impact. To this end, the CRM works together with other research centers, companies and industries. The Knowledge Transfer Unit (KTU) is the main point of contact for companies and industries with the center to seek collaborations. The KTU unit develops ad hoc research to solve challenges with society impact. Also, tailored mathematical solutions are developed, either for original projects of the center or focused on the challenges posed by other institutions. This research takes benefit from the synergies with the research groups in the center.

KTU needs to incorporate a creative, enthusiastic, and versatile Post-doctoral researcher for the project "Data shrinking method enabled by Dynamical Systems for resources saving" (DYSEDAS) of Prof. Lluís Alsedà, funded under the call Proyectos de Transición Ecológica y Transición Digital.

DYSEDAS will develop a "de novo" lossless data compression method, aiming to yield compression rates well beyond the current state-of-the-art using symbolic dynamical systems and ergodic theory acting over the dyadic rationals, combined synergistically with concepts from number theory and computer science.

The ALBA synchrotron will provide the project with its data, thus becoming the test bed for the compression method. Therefore, the developed algorithm must be fast and efficient because the volume (and speed) of data generated in the ALBA synchrotron is enormous.

Expected starting date: February 2023 (flexible, according to candidate´s availability).

Applications will be accepted until January 7th, 2023.

TASKS & RESPONSABILITIES:

The appointed candidate will conduct original research by:

• Developing the mathematical formalism (and techniques) of the compression method.
• Deriving the algorithm from the mathematical formalism.
• Taking part in the implementation of the compression method.
• Giving support in other subtasks of the project (such as analyzing possible strategies to "pre-compress" the data)

REQUIREMENTS:

• PhD in Mathematics, Physics or Engineering.
• Good knowledge of symbolic dynamics and dynamical systems.
• Knowledge of number theory.
• Good level of C, bash scripting.
• Good level of English. 

WE ALSO EXPECT THE CANDIDATE TO BE/HAVE:

• A collaborative attitude and team working skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills as well as critical thinking.
• Good oral and written communication skills, as well as the ability to give presentations.

CONTRACT DETAILS:

• Full-time (37,5h/week)
• Qualification: the candidate must have the degree required for the job.
  In the case of having a foreign academic title, the candidate must have the corresponding homologated credential to the equivalent degree in Spain.
• Estimated incorporation date: as soon as possible – before 01/02/2023.
• Duration of the contract: permanent contract.
• Location: CRM facilities.
• Flexible working hours and the option to work from home.
• Opportunities for training and development.
• Salary, as established by a collective agreement.

EVALUATION PROCESS AND CRITERIA

The selection process will be evaluated by the CRM Director or deputy director, the Responsible for KTU, and a member of the Mathematics Dept. of the UAB. This process consists of:

1. Admission of candidates: 

Applicants must submit a:

a.    Curriculum vitae.

b.    Motivation letter.

c.     Copy of the qualifications.

Send the documentation by email to rrhh@crm.cat until 7th January 2023 indicating the reference code of the offer. Requests coming from portals other than the CRM job offers section (and the instructions contained therein) will not be accepted. For more information, please contact rrhh@crm.cat.

2. Shortlist: assessment of the fulfilment of the minimum requirements of the offer. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.

3. Selection: evaluation of the shortlisted candidates by a total score according to objective criteria.

4. Final decision: the final decision will be formally communicated and will be published in the CRM website. 

In our job offers, we try to give equal opportunities to candidates. Therefore, we welcome applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds, and from the whole of the society, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status. Appointments will be made on merit basis. Personal information provided by applicants will not be accessible by the Recruiting Manager and panel.