Postdoctoral position in Vehicle Aerodynamics

Information about the research
We are offering a position as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the field: Aerodynamic Simulation of Rotating Wheels. The position is to be located at Applied Mechanics and the group for Road Vehicle Aerodynamics & Thermal Management.

The Department of Applied Mechanics at Chalmers is a leading research environment in the field of vehicle engineering. Its six research divisions conduct world-class research in close collaboration with national and international vehicle manufactures and other universities. Both fundamental and applied research questions are addressed. The department has approximately 180 employees.

The Road Vehicle Aerodynamics & Thermal Management group focuses on problems of industrial relevance related to drag reduction for minimizing emissions and fuel consumption, engine-bay thermal management and other aspects of energy efficiency. We are a team of 10 people working in the field.

The aim of your research project will be to improve the prediction capabilities with respect to optimization of drag for passenger cars. The project is an important step on the way towards improved energy efficiency and towards an increased knowledge on vehicle aerodynamics. More specifically, the objectives are:

• To build knowledge on how wheel rotation during driving conditions affects the flow fields inside the wheel-houses, along the under-body and in the separated and wake area behind a vehicle.
• Explain how the tyre deformations, different rim designs and packing inside the wheel-house affect base pressure and cooling drag.
• Improve accuracy in the predictions of the energy efficiency to enable the development and implementation of advanced solutions that lower the certified fuel consumption and for the end user the perceived RWFC (Real World Fuel Consumption). 

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 departments and companies. Your major responsibility as postdoc is to perform your own research in the research group. The position also includes teaching on undergraduate and master's levels as well as supervising master's and/or PhD students to a certain extent. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the 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 Postdoctoral Researcher in the current project, you must have a PhD degree in a relevant field. 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 cars and the automotive sector. 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.

The position requires 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.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20160567 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically via Chalmers webpage.


Application deadline: 5 February 2017

For questions, please contact:
Ass. Prof. Simone Sebben
email: simone.sebben@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 eight Areas of Advance; Building Futures, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, 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!