Postdoc in numerical fluid mechanics

Job description

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct simulation (and, if suitable and possible, experimental) studies of various types of flow instabilities, transition and turbulence. The specific cases include boundary layers that develop on rotating cones, curved surfaces such as humps, and within the eccentric Taylor-Couette-Poiseuille (eTCP) flow. The numerical method to be applied is the spectral-element method (SEM) implemented in the code Neko (https://neko.cfd/), which runs efficiently on both CPUs and GPUs, even for large-scale simulations. The work will include the implementation of suitable tools for the analysis of stability (including steady-state solvers, Arnoldi methods etc.) and for turbulence (statistics, modal decomposition etc.). Computing resources both in Sweden, Germany and on a European level will be available. General aspects of wall turbulence will also be relevant for the project.

The eTCP and the rotating-cone experimental set-ups already exist at the Fluid Physics Laboratory (KTH), equipped with optical measurement techniques, and are accessible for suitable candidates with relevant background, to complement the numerical studies. This project will allow direct comparisons between experiments, simulations and with theory for a better understanding of centrifugally driven instabilities in flows in rotating configurations, particularly in the transitional and turbulent regimes.

The project is a collaboration between Philipp Schlatter (FAU Erlangen, Germany, and KTH), Ramis Örlü (OsloMet, Norway, and KTH), Rebecca Lingwood (Lancaster University, UK, and KTH) and Mihai Mihaescu (KTH). Research stays at these institutions will be an integral part of the project.

What we offer

• A position at a leading technical university that generates knowledge and skills for a sustainable future
• Engaged and ambitious colleagues along with a creative, international and dynamic working environment
• Work in Stockholm, in close proximity to nature
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH
• Opportunity to visit the partners at OsloMet (Norway), Lancaster (UK) and Erlangen-Nürnberg (Germany)

Read more about what it is like to work at KTH

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English as this will be required in day-to-day work.
• In-depth knowledge of numerical methods and their application to turbulence.
• Relevant submitted/published work in the field of fluid mechanics.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• A suitable background for this position would be a in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering with a specialization in numerical fluid mechanics in the field of stability or turbulence. Knowledge of experimental methods will be beneficial.
• Applicants must possess the ability to work independently and perform critical analysis as well as possess good levels of cooperative and communicative abilities. This point is of importance since the main PIs are primarily located in Oslo, Erlangen and Lancaster, while being affiliated with KTH.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality. Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Trade union representatives

Contact information to trade union representatives.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

The application must include:

• CV including relevant professional experience, knowledge, and publication list (incl. PDF of your PhD thesis).
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English, Swedish or German if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• The motivation letter should include a brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Max two pages long.
• Contact information for at least two references (do not add reference letters).

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Others

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

According to The Protective Security Act (2018-585), the candidate must undergo and pass security vetting if the position is placed in a security class. Information regarding whether the position is subject to such a classification will be provided during the recruitment process.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

About KTH

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education covers a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy. Read more here

1. Ramis Örlu, orlu@kth.se
2. Philipp Schlatter, pschlatt@mech.kth.se