PostDoc in Physics-informed AI-digital twin systems for efficient shipping

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled Postdoc with cross-disciplinary knowledge to develop a hybrid ship energy performance digital-twin method framework, which integrates generic physical ship energy models into data-driven ship energy models established by machine learning methods. This postdoc position provides you with unique opportunities to cooperate within the entire division of Marine Technology at Chalmers University of Technology related to ship energy efficiency applications, as well as real-time ship monitoring data for ML modeling.

Information about the department
The Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2) conducts fundamental and applied research in all modes of transport to achieve sustainable technological solutions. M2 holds one of Sweden's most extensive simulator centers for navigation and propulsion of ships, as well as world-class laboratories within combustion engineering and wind tunnels. The department also offers and contributes to bachelor and master programs in areas such as Shipping, Automotive and Mechanical Engineering to mention a few. In addition, professional education is performed on both a national and international level, with specifically designed mission training for different social actors, within our ambition for lifelong learning. The department continuously strives to establish cooperation between academia, industry, and society, with a great focus on utilization. 

Information about the division
The Division of Marine Technology performs research and education centered primarily around the professional understanding and technical development of a ship's operational performance models. The research areas range from structural integrity assessment, fatigue and fracture, collision survivability, hull design, risk and reliability analysis, ship resistance and motions, propulsion systems, etc. Research activities are performed within both basic sciences to advance the understanding of the physics controlling the design and operation, as well as applied sciences e.g. support a designer, advance the regulations, and provide models for ship operations. Safety and energy efficiency in ships are at the core of future shipping research and education. The division is responsible for educating Naval Architects and Ocean Engineers within the international master's program Mobility Engineering at Chalmers.

Major responsibilities
The research activities conducted within this Postdoc position will partly contribute to the development of integrating generic ship performance modeling with machine learning techniques under the scenario that the available ship performance monitoring data of several case study ships will be increasing in time. A systematic framework should be proposed and established in this project considering e.g., level of available ship details, level of ship performance data, level of reliable ship traffic and environmental information, level of generic and data uncertainties, etc. In addition, you are supposed to work closely with other researchers at the Division of Marine Technology to demonstrate various energy efficiency measures/concepts. Your main duties will include:

1), Benchmark study different generic ship performance models/components, and further develop them.
2), Inventory research on ship data reliability, cross-investigation, and calibration of ship sensor data.
3), Implement a fast mathematical algorithm that can quickly solve partial differential equations to model dynamic ship hull-propeller-engine interactions, which can provide reliable models for control and optimization of various EEMs developing at our division and outside.
4), Work with the other researchers to implement the established hybrid ship digital twin platform for ship performance monitoring and other possible energy efficiency measures/research.


You are expected to supervise PhD and master students within your working and competence areas. At least two published papers are expected from the candidate.
This position is a full-time temporary employment limited to two years (1+1 year).


Qualifications
To qualify for the position as a Postdoc, you must have a doctoral degree in maritime transport, marine technology, and applied mechanics related areas, with a very solid background (education record) in mathematics and optimization. In particular, you should have relevant knowledge about ship propulsion/engine systems and experience in ship response and encountered sea environments. You must hold a doctoral degree awarded no more than three years before the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers).

Proficiency in programming is a must before the start of the position.

You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.

The position requires oral 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 two/three 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
Please click here to read about the application procedure and apply. Note that we cannot consider applications sent by email.

Application deadline: [3, March, 2024]

For questions, please contact:
Professor Wengang Mao, Division of Marine Technology, wengang.mao@chalmers.se, +46 (0) 31 772 1483