Postdoc as research leader in new aeroengine concepts

Project description
The aim of this Postdoc position is to support the scientific coordination of a large EU project and develop research in new climate-friendly propulsion technology with the potential to substantially reduce non-CO2 and CO2 emissions in aviation. The project investigates heat-management concepts for forward-looking ultra-efficient propulsion architectures and will target the maturation of technologies from conceptualization to experimental validation.

You will be working as a research leader and will support the scientific coordination of the project. Your role is to lead the development of concepts up to TRL3, including system modeling, conceptual design, and experimental validation of key technologies.  The research is highly multidisciplinary and will revolve around the development of new engine core technology and radical heat-management concepts that rely on hydrogen to improve the overall efficiency and reduce the non-CO2 emissions of future aircraft. The work includes both numerical modeling but also experimental validation in collaboration with European lead institutions in aerospace and engine OEMs.   

Our research group has a very strong position in system-level performance, turbomachinery computation, and experimental activities. We have invested heavily in experimental equipment and experimental facilities over the last decade and we have a large number of ongoing projects with the aerospace industry as well as other areas of transport and energy. Computationally we develop in-house codes and use commercial tools allowing the students to learn state-of-the-art methods and also go beyond the understanding that the use of commercial tools can bring. In this project, we intend to combine our turbomachinery and propulsion system simulation capabilities with advancing the understanding of how novel heat management technology can be integrated into ultra-efficient powerplants.

The project will rely on the group's capability to investigate the performance of new propulsion technology and to conceptually design ultra-light compact heat-exchanger technology. Additionally, for future engine applications, we see a need to develop synergistic heat management concepts that exploit the heat sink capacity of hydrogen, converging into concepts that are more fuel efficient, flexible, and reliable. Hence, the design of more integrated heat-management technology, that converges into the optimal use of the heat-flows in future engine applications, is needed.

You will be part of a large EU collaborative effort between Chalmers, top European institutions on aerospace research, and engine OEMs. As a research leader, you will establish a strong contact network within some of the most active research groups in aerospace propulsion in Europe.


Information about the division and the department
The position will be a part of the division of Fluid Dynamics. Our research at the division covers turbulent flow (both compressible and incompressible), aero-acoustics, and turbomachines. Our tools include both computations and experiments. In some research projects, the smallest turbulent scales are studied whereas in others the function of a complete gas turbine is modelled.

The research group of turbomachinery and aeroacoustics, consisting of two professors, one associate professor, one assistant professor, two researchers and 9 Ph.D. students, is part of the fluid dynamics division. The group works mainly within the area of turbomachinery applications for aeroengines. The research focus is on system level assesment, engine concept evaluation, and detailed high speed compressible flow in compressors, turbines, transition ducts, heat-exchangers, combustors/afterburners and nozzles. The turbomachinery and heat-exchanger design capabilities range from simple meanline calculations to detailed large-eddy simulations using in-house codes developed for the simulation of high-speed internal compressible flows. Validation data is provided by our compressor and turbine exhaust rigs at Reynolds number representative flow conditions.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities is to lead research activities in one of the engine concepts that is being investigated as part of the project. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. You will also support with the supervision of a PhD student working in the same project.

Qualifications
To qualify as a candidate for this postdoctoral researcher position, you should have a Ph.D. degree in the aerospace area, preferably with a focus on propulsion awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers). System level understanding, with a strong background in turbomachinery design and CFD. Good written and verbal English communication skills are essential. We are looking for a motivated and independent researcher, who likes to explore and learn new things. Advanced courses in propulsion and previous teaching experience in the area are beneficial. Experience in interdisciplinary cooperation, as well as experience in design new propulsion concepts are meritorious.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for three (2+1) 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.

Application procedure
To apply, please go to: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=11418

Application deadline: 3 March, 2023