Researcher in mathematics

The Department of Computational Engineering is seeking a researcher in mathematics to work with associate professor Toni Karvonen on the Academy Research Fellow project “Inference and approximation under misspecification” funded by the Research Council of Finland from 2025 to 2029. You will be a member of the Applied Mathematics Research Unit.

The project focuses on the mathematical theory of model misspecification and uncertainty quantification in Gaussian process modelling and kernel-based approximation. The goal is to use techniques from approximation theory, information-based complexity and harmonic analysis to study (a) how kernel-based models or approximations that misspecify the smoothness or stationarity of the latent truth perform and (b) when certain kernel hyperparameter estimators can recover the smoothness of the truth from incomplete data. The theory will be used to inform the development of more robust methods for optimisation and numerical integration.

What we are looking for

This position emphasises research. Your research duties can be tailored to your background and expertise. Other duties may include contributing to teaching as well as supervising BSc and MSc students.

Experience in some of the following topics is considered an advantage:

• Gaussian processes
• Kernel-based approximation
• Reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces
• Harmonic analysis
• Information-based complexity
• Probabilistic numerics
• Quasi-Monte Carlo

Candidates are expected to have a doctoral degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science or a related field.

What we offer

The wide range of benefits that come with the job include a holiday bonus, generous annual leave, a research incentive scheme with personal rewards for high-quality publications, flexible working hours, occupational health care, a collegial working environment, and continued commitment to your support, learning, training, and development.

Employment and salary

This is a fixed-term position until 31 August 2029. Starting date is negotiable. The position has a six-month trial period. The job is based in LUT's Lappeenranta campus, Finland.

The salary is based on the current collective agreement for Finnish universities. The typical gross annual starting salary of a researcher is approximately 50 500 - 58 900 euros.

Applications

The deadline for applications is 17 August 2025, at midnight Finnish local time (UTC+3h).

Please fill out the online application form and attach the required documents below in English or Finnish and in PDF format:

• A cover letter, which should also include a brief description of your research interests and how they align with the position (max. 1 page)
• A curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages)
• A full list of publications. Highlight your three most significant publications
• A copy of your doctoral diploma. If the original documents are not in English, Finnish or Swedish, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English or Finnish
• A copy or a link to your doctoral dissertation

Further information

For further information, please contact Toni Karvonen, [email protected] or visit

• https://tskarvone.github.io/
• https://research.fi/en/results/funding/83074

Read more about LUT as an employer.

Information for international staff

LUT University | LUT University seeks solutions to global issues with its expertise in technology, business, and social sciences. LUT is a trailblazer in promoting the energy transition and the regenerative use of natural resources and helps build resilient communities, industry, and businesses through data, research, and education. LUT's campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland, but its impact is global. Lut.fi/en

Technical support for the online recruitment system: [email protected].

Application period starts: 2025-07-07 10:00. Application period ends: 2025-08-17 23:59