Research Associate in Computational Fluid Mechanics

Job Description

An exciting opportunity is available for a postdoctoral Research Associate to join a recently funded Leverhulme Trust project investigating air entrainment and bubble formation by plunging jets in complex fluids.

The project is motivated by a recently observed and unexpected fluid-mechanical phenomenon involving plunging jets in non-Newtonian fluids. It aims to understand the physical mechanisms governing the interaction between the jet, the free surface and the entrained air, and how these are influenced by the rheological properties of the fluid. The research will combine numerical simulations with complementary experimental and theoretical investigations to develop a fundamental understanding of these flows.

This project sits at the intersection of fluid mechanics, complex fluids and interfacial phenomena. It offers the chance to contribute to ambitious, curiosity-driven research aimed at understanding a phenomenon that has not previously been described in the scientific literature.

The successful candidate will play a leading role in the project’s numerical programme, developing and deploying new algorithms, and carrying out simulations of jets, bubbles and air entrainment in complex fluids. The work will involve developing new algorithms for high-fidelity adaptive multiphase fluid simulations, deploying these in in-house and open-source code bases, conducting a campaign of numerical experiments, and contributing to publications and conference presentations. The post holder will work closely with other academic investigators and project partners, including researchers undertaking complementary experimental/theoretical studies.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a background in numerical method development for fluid mechanics who is excited by fundamental research and wants to help shape an emerging area of study from an early stage.

Applicants should have, or be close to completing, a PhD (or equivalent) in fluid mechanics, physics, engineering, or a closely related discipline. Experience in developing, deploying and analysing new numerical methods and algorithms is essential. Experience in areas such as multiphase flows, rheology, non-Newtonian fluids, or mesh-free numerical methods would be an advantage, but we welcome applicants with a strong numerical background and enthusiasm to develop new skills.

The School is committed to Athena SWAN principles to promote women in science; the School’s website documenting activity in this area can be found at:

https://www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/equality-diversity-inclusion/awards/athena-swan/

The University of Manchester values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

What you will get in return

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we unfortunately may not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Dr Jack King

Email: jack.king@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries

Email: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support

0161 850 2004 https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.