STMI_positions

STMI_positions


Available Positions
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Lead institution: Institute of Mathematics and Statistics (IME), University of Sao Paulo (USP)
Department: Applied Mathematics https://www.ime.usp.br/map

Type and duration: 1 Postdoc (2 years, starting in 2019), 1 PhD (4 years, starting beginning
of 2019), 3 MSc (2 years, starting beginning of 2019)

Supervisors name: Saulo R.M. Barros, Antoine Laurain, Pedro S. Peixoto

Project title: Optimization of finite-difference seismic wave solvers and their adjoints.

Research theme area: numerical analysis, partial differential equations, seismic imaging, inverse
problems.

Abstract: Full waveform inversion (FWI) is a high-resolution seismic imaging technique that is based on using the entire content of seismic traces for extracting physical parameters of the medium sampled by seismic waves. The aim of the project is to develop a range of software technologies required for simulation and data inversion.

Description: The successful candidates will collaborate with researchers from the project “Software technologies for simulation and inversion” of the Research Centre for Gas Innovation of POLI-USP at the University of Sao Paulo. Summary of the program and
projects can be found at the RCGI website (http://www.rcgi.poli.usp.br/). The general objective of the project is to create a library of numerical discretizations for numerical seismic imaging expressed symbolically using Devito, a domain-specific language
(DSL) and code generation framework for the design of highly optimized finite difference kernels for use in inversion methods (https://www.devitoproject.org/). The first specific objective of this workstream is to develop discretization methods for several
types of partial differential equations relevant for full waveform inversion: isotropic acoustic system and anisotropic acoustic and elastic systems, with the following properties: (1) stability in the presence of high medium contrasts for long time integrations, (2) accuracy of key solution metrics, e.g. minimized dispersion errors, (3) computational efficiency. The second specific objective is the theoretical study and implementation of both state of the art and novel optimization methods to solve the FWI problem. In particular, we will focus on the development of sharp interface models, which are relevant for geological settings presenting strong discontinuities, such as the case of delineation of salt bodies. The successful candidates will perform the numerical analysis of the proposed methods, and are expected to use the FEniCS and/or Firedrake package (Python or C++) for the numerical implementation of the finite-difference method and the resolution of the inverse problem.

Requirements to fill the position: Programming skills, experience in numerical analysis and
proficiency in English are required for all positions.
– The postdoc candidate should hold a PhD in Mathematics, Physics or Engineering. Experience
in geophysics or inverse problems is desired.
– The PhD candidate should hold a MSc in Mathematics, Physics or Engineering. Experience
in inverse problems and/or partial differential equations is desired.

Scholarship values (tax-free):
– Postdoc: 6819 BRL
– PhD: 2784 BRL (first year), 3446 BRL (second year)
– MSc: 1889 BRL (first year), 2005 BRL (second year)

Postdoc candidates should apply by sending their CV to Antoine Laurain (e-mail: ).
The position will remain open until it is filled.

PhD and MSc candidates should apply preferably before 31st of October 2018 via the online
system https://vagas.ime.usp.br/ of the Institute of Mathematics and Statistics (IME) at
the University of Sao Paulo, or by 31st of November via email to Pedro Peixoto ()
following the guidelines shown at https://www.ime.usp.br/en/appliedmath/graduate/
admissions.

For further information please contact Antoine Laurain:
e-mail: , tel.: +55 (11) 3091-6304.