Postdoc in Numerical modelling of cavitation in hydroturbine applications

Hydropower is a crucial component in a renewable electrical energy system, regulating the electric grid due to the intermittent electric energy production of sources like wind, sun and waves. This makes hydropower to start and stop frequently, run at off-design conditions, or continuously vary operating conditions. During such operation, cavitation in the turbines will occur and will limit the system's performance and dynamics. We're offering a two-year post-doc position in this field, aiming to improve the understanding and modelling capabilities of cavitation in hydroturbines to support a sustainable operation of hydropower in this setting.

Information about the research
The post-doc will develop and evaluate numerical methods for cavitation modelling in hydropower for a renewable electric energy system, combining experience in cavitation at the division of Marine Technology and in hydropower at the division of Fluid dynamics, within the department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences at Chalmers. The research involves determining the conditions under which cavitation will occur and affect the turbine, and then develop suitable high-fidelity CFD models and analyse the impact of cavitation on the performance and dynamics. The methods developed and studies performed thus need to consider multiphase turbulent flows, possibly involving compressible effects, in a running hydroturbine.
The project further connects the research performed in the two research centres, SVC (Svenskt Vattenkraft Centrum), supporting the Swedish hydropower industry, and the Kongsberg UTC (University Technology Centre) in computational hydrodynamics, supporting the marine propulsion sector within Kongsberg.

-The details of the departmental research activities may be found here.

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 research groups. The position may also include supervision of master theses and/or PhD students to a certain extent. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as in the industry/public sector.

Position summary
The position is a full-time temporary employment with a competitive salary and with social benefits. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1).

Qualifications
To qualify as a post-doc researcher in the current project, you should have a PhD degree in a relevant field not older than three years when the project starts. Your PhD project should have included advanced CFD analysis for multiphase flows; experimental experience is meritorius. You enjoy to collaborate with colleagues of both involved research groups while manage to work independently and plan and think strategically. You are creative and like to put new ideas into practice. You have a solid interest in fluid dynamics and flow modelling. 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 20200328 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 August 2020 

For questions, please contact:
Professor Rickard Bensow, rickard.bensow@chalmers.se,

*** 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!