Postdoctoral Researcher in Multiphysics Modelling

Job summary

This position focuses on advancing the understanding of laser-material interactions, particularly in the context of lunar regolith processing under vacuum conditions. The role involves developing numerical models to explore the dynamics of laser-induced vapor-plume-particle interactions, contributing to the MOONPRINT project aimed at establishing guidelines for large-area laser processing of lunar materials.

Qualifications

• PhD in mechanical engineering, materials science, computational engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and multiphysics modelling, particularly with laser-material interactions.
• Experience in modelling multiphase systems including melt, gas/vapor, and particle dynamics using CFD, discrete element method (DEM), or similar approaches.
• Proficiency in numerical modelling and programming with tools such as ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, Python, C/C++, or MATLAB.
• Solid understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and phase-change phenomena.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced computational frameworks for investigating laser-induced interactions under vacuum.
• Create high-fidelity numerical models for heat and mass transfer, melting, evaporation, and vapor-plume dynamics.
• Validate models against high-vacuum laser-processing experiments and analyze the influence of processing parameters on stability and material redistribution.
• Collaborate with researchers on laser-regolith experiments and contribute to supervision and teaching activities.
• Publish research findings in leading international journals and present at conferences.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and creatively on complex research challenges.
• Experience with high-performance computing and CFD workflow automation is advantageous.

Education

• A formal PhD degree (or equivalent) is required.

Tools

• Familiarity with numerical modelling tools such as ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, Python, C/C++, and MATLAB.