Two Postdoctoral Researchers in Mathematical Inverse Problems

ERC-funded Postdoctoral Researcher Positions in Mathematical Inverse Problems at the University of Helsinki

Applications are invited for two postdoctoral researchers in mathematical inverse problems at the University of Helsinki. The position will be funded by the ERC advanced grant project InversePDE - Geometric Methods in Inverse Problems for Partial Differential Equations and the Centre of Excellence on Inverse Modelling and Imaging, led by Professor Matti Lassas.

Position description

The postdoctoral positions are for around two years (ending in November 2028) with a possible extension to a 3rd year. Starting date may be between August 1, 2026-January 1, 2027. The positions have a 6-month trial period at the beginning of the employment.

The InversePDE project studies inverse problems for partial differential equations (PDEs) and geometric inverse problems. A typical inverse problem is the determination of the coefficient functions of a PDE from indirect data. The project aims to obtain unique solvability and stability results for inverse problems and to develop solution algorithms for these problems that are based on machine learning. The project will study inverse problems for linear and non-linear hyperbolic and elliptic PDEs by applying analysis, differential geometry, microlocal analysis, and probabilistic methods. The project will also combine methods of machine learning, in particular neural networks, and manifold learning techniques, with the mathematical theory of inverse problems to invent new algorithms that are rigorously guaranteed to work.

The University of Helsinki seeks to promote an equitable and inclusive working environment and welcomes applicants of any gender, linguistic and cultural background, or minority group.

Qualifications

We are looking for post-doctoral researchers interested in working on inverse problems and their applications and/or in rigorous methods in neural networks and other machine learning methods for partial differential equations. We also welcome applications from postdocs who have not earlier worked on the above topics but are interested in extendin¬g their expertise to new fields.

The postdoctoral researcher shall hold a relevant doctoral degree by the start date of employment have the ability to conduct independent scholarly work. Additionally, no more than five years should have elapsed since the completion of a doctoral degree, excluding periods of family leave or equivalent absences. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are a necessity in the position.

Salary and benefits

The starting salary of a postdoctoral researcher is typically 3800 - 4000 euros/month, depending on previous qualifications and experience.  

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. The University provides support for internationally recruited employees with their transition to work and life in Finland. For more on the University of Helsinki as an employer, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers.

How to apply

The applicants should submit the following documents:

• CV (max 2 pages)
• Cover letter detailing the applicant’s familiarity with analysis of PDEs, geometry and neural networks and other machine learning methods, and their interest to study mathematical inverse problems (max 2 pages)
• Names and institutional email addresses or letters of reference of up to 3 references

Applications shall be submitted through the University of Helsinki´s recruitment system.

External applicants, please submit your application via the Apply Now button.

Internal applicants, who have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment/grant/visitor contract, please submit your application via the Employee login button.

The application deadline is June 15, 2026 (at 23:59 UTC +3).

Additional information

For further enquiry related to the position, please contact Professor Matti Lassas (Matti.Lassas(at)helsinki.fi).

If you need support with the recruitment system, please contact recruitment(at)helsinki.fi. 

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As part of the Faculty of Science, the Department of Mathematics and Statistics of the University of Helsinki is the biggest university department of mathematical sciences in Finland. The department hosts several current ERC grants of the European Research Council and two Centres of Excellence of the Academy of Finland.