PhD position in models for transport of plastics in marine environments

Microplastics (plastic fragments less than 5 mm in size) in the marine environment represent a significant concern due to their persistence in the sea and their danger to marine life. In the Nordics, more than 40 tons of microplastics are discharged yearly from water treatment plants. Microplastic pollution is nowadays a global challenge, directly harming marine and coastal ecosystems and also human health. Two of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (6-Clean water and sanitation/14- Life below water) aim to reduce the impact of microplastics in the marine environment. The long-term aim of the project is to address the challenge of developing novel Lagrangian numerical models to track the dynamics of plastic particles in the ocean. The models developed in this project can be used by oceanographers in ocean general circulation solvers to address large-scale circulation patterns of the plastic particles and identify preferential accumulation regions.

Information about the research project
The Department of Mechanics and Maritime Science at Chalmers University is offering a doctoral position in a project related to modelling the transport of plastic particles in the sea. The project is highly interdisciplinary and consists of a collaboration between three divisions at the Department: Fluid Dynamics, Maritime Studies and Marine Technology. The long-term aim of the project is to address the challenge of developing novel Lagrangian numerical models to track the dynamics of plastic particles in the ocean. The project also aims to investigate the release and the dynamics of plastic particles from ship antifouling paintings, an underestimated source of microplastics that preferentially accumulates in the ship wakes, a kind of ship “skid marks” analogous to road tire wears. To summarize, the project will address the formulation of novel numerical models to track the dynamics of plastic particles in a turbulent marine environment by considering different processes that influence the plastic trajectories: particle shapes and properties, biofouling, water density stratification and ship wake induced mixing.

The position will be placed at the Fluid Dynamic division where the research covers turbulent flow (both compressible and incompressible), multiphase flows, aero-acoustics and turbomachines. Our tools include both computations and experiments. The research covers a wide range of topics. In some research projects the smallest turbulent scales are studied whereas in others the function of a complete gas turbine is analyzed and modelled. The division is part of Chalmers Sustainable Transport Initiative, Chalmers eScience Initiative and Chalmers Energy Initiative.

Major responsibilities
In this project, we will together develop and validate numerical models to quantify the transport of microplastics in the marine environment. As a PhD student, you will be central to these developments, and also responsible for the numerical implementation and validation of these tools.

You are expected to learn to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. Your research activities will contribute to enhanced knowledge in the scientific field, in particular by presenting your results in scientific journals and at international conferences.

The position also includes teaching courses within Chalmers' undergraduate level corresponding to up to 20 percent of the working hours.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in Mechanical Engineering, Naval/Maritime Eng., Chemical Eng., Physics, Mathematical Eng., Aeronautics or a relevant field. To be suitable for the position you need basic knowledge of fluid mechanics and programming. It is beneficial to have experience with CFD simulations using in-house or commercial softwares. As a person you are driven and enjoy solving complex problems both independently and in collaboration with other researchers.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of 4.5 years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Learn more and apply on our website: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=10604&rmlang=UK

Application deadline: August 1, 2022

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



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!