PhD student position (f/m/d) (Ref. 26/20)

The Weierstrass Institute for Applied Analysis and Stochastics (WIAS) is an institute of the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. (FVB). The FVB comprises seven non-university research institutes in Berlin which are funded by the federal and state governments. The research institutes belong to the Leibniz Association.

WIAS invites applications for a

PhD student position (f/m/d)

(Ref. 26/20)

in the Weierstrass Group “Energy-Variational Methods for Innovative Materials (EnVarMIM)”

(Head: PD Dr. R. Lasarzik) to be filled at the earliest possible date.

The position is associated to the project “Analysis of energy-variational solutions for hyperbolic conservation laws”, which is part of the SPP 2410 “Hyperbolic Balance Laws in Fluid Mechanics: Complexity, Scales, Randomness”. While hyperbolic conservation laws are ubiquitous in the modeling of fluid-dynamical processes, fundamental analytic question remain open until today. In this project, a novel solution concept for such equations, which is founded on energetic considerations and variational methods, is studied. The project aims at the derivation of new existence results for deterministic and stochastic partial differential equations, and the numerical analysis of associated constructive approximation schemes.

The position is hosted in the Weierstrass Group “Energy-Variational Methods for Innovative Materials (EnVarMIM)”. The project is a collaboration between PD Dr. Robert Lasarzik from this group, and Dr. Thomas Eiter from Research Group “Partial Differential Equations”. In this team, we are going to approach the above research plan together with the PhD student.

We are looking for: Candidates with a master’s degree in mathematics or a closely related field with a strong background in at least one of the following fields:

• analysis of partial differential equations,
• calculus of variations,
• functional analysis.

Prior knowledge in

• mathematical fluid mechanics,
• stochastic analysis,
• numerical analysis,
• geometrical measure theory, or
• nonlinear optimization

is beneficial.

What we offer:

• Close mentorship: the PhD student will receive responsible and careful mentorship by both principal investigators, who emphasize fostering a healthy mentor-mentee relationship.
• A research project embedded into a Germany-wide network giving many opportunities for scientific exchange with other young and experienced researchers in the field.
• WIAS Berlin is a premier research institution known for its strength in partial differential equations, mathematical modeling, nonlinear optimization, and applied mathematics in general.
• Mobile working.
• A certified (Audit berufundfamilie) family-friendly work environment.
• Berlin is one of the most culture-rich and diverse international cities in the world. It offers endless opportunities to enjoy life outside work, while being very affordable compared to other major cities. Neither the job nor living in Berlin requires German language (although WIAS offers free German courses). We highly welcome international applications. Scientifically, Berlin offers a rich landscape with numerous opportunities for research, as well as job prospects in academia and industry.

Please direct scientific queries to PD Dr. Robert Lasarzik (robert.lasarzik@wias-berlin.de) and Dr. Thomas Eiter (thomas.eiter@wias-berlin.de)

The appointment is initially limited to three years. The position is offered at 75% of full-time employment (29.25 hours per week) and is remunerated according to pay grade E 13 of the German TVöD Bund collective agreement.

WIAS is committed to fostering diversity and equal opportunities and particularly encourages women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preferential consideration in cases of equal qualification. If you have any questions or want to provide us with information related to diversity, inclusion or disabilities, please feel free to contact our Diversity Officer, Sara Krummenacher (sara.krummenacher@wias-berlin.de).

How to apply:

Please upload your complete application documents (motivation letter, detailed CV, certificates, list of MSc courses and grades, and a copy of the master’s thesis or, if not yet completed, its current version) as soon as possible via our applicant portal using the button “Apply online”. Applicants who have not yet completed their degree should indicate the expected completion date.

The application period opens immediately and remains open until the position is filled.

A first assessment of the applications is planned for September 14, 2026.

We are looking forward to your application!