Applications for this job are now closed
The School of Engineering at Newcastle University (NU) is seeking to appoint a Research Assistant/Research Associate to work on a new EPSRC project in collaboration with the University of Cambridge (UoC).
The project will investigate thermodiffusively-unstable lean premixed hydrogen flames with digital and physical twins at NU and UoC, respectively. The aim is to develop improved turbulent-flame modelling necessary to design and develop efficient carbon-free combustors for transportation and power generation with low NOx emissions.
The numerical approach will be to use the Pele suite of codes to perform Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) with detailed chemistry. A range of high-performance computing (HPC) architectures will be used, including a significant amount of compute time on the national facility Archer2.
You will be a key member of the team, focussing on developing numerical experiments, data analysis and post-processing. You will be based in Newcastle but will work closely with the team in Cambridge; in particular, to make direct comparisons of DNS data with the physical twin. Turbulent-flame models will be analysed and developed for LES and RANS applications, working with industrial partners. You will be supported in preparing papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals, as well as presenting the work at national and international conferences.
We are looking for someone who holds (or be near to completing) a PhD in numerical turbulent fluid mechanics or closely related area; experience of programming/code development will be essential, and experience with turbulent combustion will be advantageous.
This role is fixed term for a period of 12 months, and we would be happy to consider flexible or part time working patterns.
To apply, complete an online application and upload a CV and cover letter. Your cover letter should outline how you meet the essential criteria for the role and provide evidence with examples.
Key accountabilities
- Designing, executing and analysing large direct numerical simulations of turbulent premixed flames on high-performance computing architectures
- Collaborating with academic partners at the University of Cambridge and analysing DNS data for direct comparison with physical twin
- Analysis and development of turbulent-flame modelling approaches and collaborating with industrial partners
- Writing journal articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals
- Presenting at national and international conferences
The person
Knowledge, skills and experience
- Knowledge of turbulent fluid dynamics and turbulence modelling approaches
- Knowledge of numerical methods for PDEs, and computational fluid dynamics
- Programming experience (preferably C++)
- Experience designing, executing, and analysing numerical experiments for turbulent fluid dynamics
- Ability to communicate technical work to academic and industrial partners
- Ability to prepare journal articles for publication
Desirable
- Knowledge of premixed flames and turbulent-flame modelling
- Experience running large direct numerical simulation of turbulent fluid dynamics
- Experience with high performance computing architectures
- Experience simulating thermodiffusively-unstable lean premixed hydrogen
- A track record of dissemination through high-quality peer-reviewed journal articles and conference presentations
Attributes and behaviour
- High level of analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work well as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Capable of communicating complex information clearly to different audiences
- Professional approach with a commitment to equality, diversity, dignity and respect in the workplace
Qualifications
- PhD awarded (or near completion for Research Assistant) in numerical turbulent fluid dynamics (mathematics, physics, engineering), or closely related field for Research Associate
