CAIMS*SCMAI E-News Volume 08 Number 5 August 8, 2008 Editor: Abba Gumel (gumelab@cc.umanitoba.ca) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONTENT Society News: 1. CAIMS*SCMAI Election Results for Board of Directors Search Positions: 2. Postodoctoral position at UOIT and Ottawa 3. Postdoctoral position in Computational Fluid Dynamics at McMaster 4. CAIMS*SCMAI E-News Information = = = = Item 1 = = = = Election Results for CAIMS*SCMAI Board of Directors Elections were held in the summer of 2008 for two members-at-large on the board of directors of CAIMS*SCMAI. Also, the position of Treasurer was filled by acclamation, there being only one nominee (Paul Muir) for the position. Thus, Paul Muir will be the Treasurer for a two year term ending at CAIMS*SCMAI 2010. On Wednesday, August 6, 2008, Drs. Abba Gumel, Tom Berry and Ms. Ashrafi Niger (University of Manitoba) counted the votes for the members-at-large positions, with the following results. There were four candidates: Dr. Lucy Campbell, Dr. Rob Corless, Dr. Huaxiong Huang and Dr. Tony Humphries. After counting the ballots, Dr. Lucy Campbell and Dr. Rob Corless were each declared elected for three-year terms ending at CAIMS*SCMAI 2011. We wish to thank all those who allowed their names to go forward in the election. Those who were elected are to be congratulated. We thank Anna Bourlioux, whose term on the Board ended at this year's AGM, for her outstanding service to the Society. = = = = Item 2 = = = = Postdoctoral Position at UOIT and University of Ottawa Title: Mathematical modeling, computation and sensitivity analysis of transport processes in membranes and catalyst layers of PEM fuel cells. Description: This research project will focus on the mathematical modeling of transport processes in proton exchange membranes (PEM) and catalyst layers (CL) of PEM fuel cells, namely water and charge transport near the PEM-CL interface. The membrane and catalyst layers are porous media consisting of pores of random size which facilitate mass and charge transport. The CL contains carbon particles and ionomer fibres, with gas pores embedded in these two phases. The diffusive transport processes are largely affected by heterogeneities of the porous medium. Therefore, direct calulations of domain properties are extremely challenging. The main part of the project will be the modeling and computation of processes at the micro/nano scale. A typical geometry consists of one or two cylindrical tubes (length 100nm, diameter 10nm), representing PEM and CL pores. The transport processes are expressed by a system of nonlinear PDEs (conservation laws). Based on results from micro-scale models, using multi-scale methods or statistical analysis, a macro-scale model for the PEM, the CL and the PEM-CL interface will be derived. This position is part of a research collaboration between UOIT, University of Ottawa and Toyota Motor Corporation. Eligibility Requirements: A PhD (or equivalent) in Applied Mathematics is required. Applicants should have a strong background in computational methods and PDEs and mathematical modeling. Any knowledge in sensitivity analysis, optimization and mathematical modeling is a definite asset. Location: UOIT, Ontario, Canada (with frequent visits to University of Ottawa). Salary: $50,000CAD. Starting date: Pending approval of funding, the starting date of the position will be September 1st, 2008, with an anticipated duration of two years. How to apply: Interested applicants should submit (i) an AMS standard cover sheet, (ii) a CV with a publication list, (iii) a description of current research interests and career plans, and (iv) at least two letters of recommendation, by mail or email, to Peter Berg or Arian Novruzi at the addresses given below. Deadline: Open until position is filled. Contact: Peter Berg Arian Novruzi Faculty of Science Department of Mathematics and Statistics, office 305E University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) University of Ottawa 2000 Simcoe Street N 585 King Edward (KED) Oshawa, ON, L1H 7K4, Canada Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5 Canada tel: +1 905 721 8668 ext 2457 tel: +1 613 562 5800 ext 3530 e-mail: peter.berg@uoit.ca e-mail: novruzi@uottawa.ca web: faculty.uoit.ca/pberg/ web: www.mathstat.uottawa.ca/~novuzi = = = = Item 3 = = = = Postdoctoral Position in Computational Fluid Dynamics and Optimization An opening for a Post-Doctoral Fellow is anticipated in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics at McMaster University. The fellow will work in the research group of Dr. Protas, and the focus of this industry-funded position will be continued research on integration of Optimization Theory and Computational Fluid Dynamics with the goal to develop strategies for optimization of multi-physics fluid systems. In addition to substantial experience in scientific computing, an ideal candidate would also have background in Computational / Theoretical Fluid Dynamics and Optimization / Control Theory. This position may also involve some teaching responsibilities. The fellowship is open to candidates of any nationality and selection will be based upon the candidate's research potential. Pending approval of funding, the tentative start date of the position is January 1, 2009 and the anticipated duration of the position will two years with a minimum annual salary of $40,000, plus a $2,000 grant for research expenses. Candidates are required to apply for these fellowships by using the MathJobs website; see our advertisement at www.mathjobs.org. We will begin to review applications on October 15, 2008, however, applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants should provide at least three letters of recommendation. Preferably these letters will be submitted through the MathJobs website (see above); they may also be sent directly to: Dr. Bartosz Protas Department of Mathematics & Statistics McMaster University Hamilton, Ontario, CANADA L8S 4K1 Phone: +1 (905) 525 9140 ext. 24116 Fax: +1 (905) 522 0935 Email: bprotas@mcmaster.ca URL: www.math.mcmaster.ca/~bprotas modelmath.mcmaster.ca We appreciate all replies to this advertisement, but applications will not be acknowledged. McMaster is committed to Employment Equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and women. Bartosz Protas Department of Mathematics & Statistics McMaster University Hamilton, Ontario, CANADA L8S 4K1 Phone: +1 (905) 525 9140 ext. 24116 Fax: +1 (905) 522 0935 Email: bprotas@mcmaster.ca URL: www.math.mcmaster.ca/~bprotas modelmath.mcmaster.ca = = = = = Item 4 = = = = = CAIMS*SCMAI E-News Information CAIMS*SCMAI E-News is distributed electronically several times a year by the Canadian Applied and Industrial Mathematics Society/Societe Canadienne de Mathematiques Appliquees et Industrielles (http://www.caims.ca). Past issues are available on the web at http://www.caims.ca/Society/pub.html Submissions are welcome and should be sent in plain text format to: Abba Gumel, CAIMS-SCMAI Secretary, Email: gumelab@cc.umanitoba.ca. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Board or Membership of CAIMS*SCMAI. The editorial policy of this publication is to encourage the discussion of issues and facilitate the dissemination of information relevant to Canadian applied and industrial mathematics. If you wish to have your name removed from the e-mailing list for the CAIMS*SCMAI E-News, please send an email message to Abba Gumel as above.