Machine Learning Driven Air Flow Control for Reduced Drag of Ships

Information about the project
We are offering a position as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the field of active flow control for drag reduction utilising artifical intelligence/machine learning. The objective is to design innovative techniques to control the flow over the superstructure of ships in order to maximise the aerodynamic performance of the vessel and reduce the total energy consumption and improve vessel comfort and safety. Previous projects have shown both that the flow over a ship like structure may be complex and difficult to control, but also that machine learning algorithms are a promising way to overcome this challenge.

To achieve this objective, several components are necessary to master. The flow around generic ship models will be further studied using scale resolved CFD (PANS and LES) as well as experiments at Chalmers Flow Laboratory. Flow control algorithms, using both passive and active systems, should be developed that are effective in a range of flow conditions for the vessel; here, machine learning/AI will be used in the design of the control system. The aim of your research project will be to develop new flexible and efficient ML schemes for active flow control that can improve aerodynamics performance of ships.

The project is a cooperative project between Prof Sinisa Krajnovic and Prof Rickard Bensow at the divisions of Fluid dynamics and Marine Technology respectively. The research in these groups is related to turbulent flows in vehicle design on land and in water with a well established international network. It is also expected that the people working in the project will collaborate with other AI researcher at Chalmers AI competence center CHAIR.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility will be to pursue the research and development within the project. You are expected to develop your own scientific ideas and concepts, and to communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. You will be guided by senior researchers at the involved departments and companies. Your major responsibility as postdoc is to perform your own research in the research group. The position may also include teaching on undergraduate and master's levels as well as supervising master's and/or PhD students to a certain extent. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Position summary
The position is full-time temporary employment. It is limited to a maximum of two years, starting with a one-year employment, followed by an evaluation, if the work is proceeding sufficiently well the employment will be extended for a second year.

Qualifications
To qualify as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the current project, you must have a PhD degree in a relevant field and not older than three years. You like to work independently and you plan and think strategically. You are creative and like to put new ideas into practice. You have a solid interest in fluid dynamics, and an ability to perform both experimental and simulation work of high quality. You like to work in interdisciplinary projects and you have the ability to discuss and communicate your work with people of different backgrounds. We also believe that you are a motivated person, with a strong curiosity and a genuine wish to learn more and develop your skills and knowledge further in the fields of research, research communication and project management.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English, as well as an ability to plan and organize the work involved.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20210196 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 30 May 2021

For questions, please contact:
Prof Rickard Bensow, Marine Technology, rickard.bensow@chalmers.se, +46 7721479
Prof Sinisa Krajnovic, Fluid Dynamics, sinisa.krajnovic@chalmers.se, +46 772 5272


*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***