Postdoc in aerodynamics and fluid-structure interaction

We invite applicants for a postdoctoral position where you will be a part of a research team that consists of five senior researchers and research assistants. You will collaborate with the others to make progress in a project focused on advancing the aerodynamic strategy and design of UHBPR nacelles. You will carry out your work in close connection to academic and industrial organizations in the field of aerospace. 

Information about the research
To deal with the problems of pollution, the trend in long-range aircraft technology today is toward ultra-high bypass ratio (UHBRP) engine nacelles. However, this type of nacelle poses new challenges for aerodynamics near the nacelle, as the large size of the nacelle leads to significant flow interaction between the nacelle and airframe components such as the pylon, wing and high-lift devices. At this point, it is utmost important to understand the aerodynamics and relevant fluid-structure interaction influenced by the nacelle installation. The present project will advance the aerodynamic design of UHBPR nacelles and the optimal strategy to install such large nacelles onto the airframe. The subject will be mainly investigated using high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and numerical results will be validated based on wind-tunnel tests.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will conduct the project within a research team at the Division of Fluid Dynamics in the Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences. You will be one of the five researchers in the team and collaborate with the others to progress the project. You will also act as a communication link with academic and industrial organizations in the field of aerospace. The team has a strong tie to the Division of Marine Technology, so you will be engaged in a broad research range, exploring possibilities to bridge the sky and the ocean by means of a fundamental FSI platform.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility will be to pursue the research and development within the project in collaboration with other researchers within the team. 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 the senior researchers involved in the project and have ample opportunities to develop an extended network in the field of aircraft aerodynamics and fluid-structure interaction.

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. Another important aspect involves collaboration within academia and with society at large. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Contract terms
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. You will be employed by Chalmers and will receive a salary according to current salary agreements.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the current project, you must have a PhD degree in a relevant field of aerodynamics, fluid-structure interaction, aeroelasticity, computational fluid dynamics, turbulence modelling or similar. The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English, as well as an ability to plan and organize the work involved.

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 scientific computing, and you understand and are able to handle numerical codes and data quickly and correctly. 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.

Other merits could be:
- Profound knowledge in ANSYS Fluent (familiar with programming UDF), Pointwise.
- Skills in computer programming: scripting language, Python, Matlab, C, C++.
- Basic skills in CAD software.
- Knowledge in data analysis (data mining, etc.), reduced order models and optimization.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20210486 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files.

Learn more and apply on Chalmers website: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=9897&rmlang=UK

Application deadline: 21 November, 2021

For questions, please contact:
Associate Professor Huadong Yao, Division of Fluid Dynamics
Email: huadong.yao@chalmers.se
Phone: +46(0)31 772 1405

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