The University of Turku is a world-class multidisciplinary research university, hosting a vibrant community of 25,000 students and employees from over 100 different countries. As one of the leading universities in Finland, University of Turku offers study and research opportunities in eight faculties. The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering in the Faculty of Technology brings together experts from a wide range of disciplines including mechanical engineering, chemistry, physics and mathematics, as well as computer science, to develop solutions for future technologies and key societal challenges. 

We are looking for a doctoral researcher in the field computational fluid dynamics (CFD) of multi-phase and chemically reacting flows to join the research group of assistant professor Armin Wehrfritz in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. The position is part of a larger consortium research project within the Zero Emission Marine ecosystem funded by Business Finland (https://www.zemecosystem.com). The aim of the overall project is to obtain science-based knowledge on the physics and chemistry of hydrogen combustion, fuel storage and supply, with a particular focus on enabling zero-emission marine technologies.  

The topic of the advertised position is primarily focused on understanding the heat transfer and phase change properties of hydrogen and hydrogen-derived fuels, such as ammonia, in fuel storage and supply systems for the next generation of zero-carbon emission engines. The candidate will use state-of-the-art simulation techniques, namely large-eddy simulation (LES) and direct numerical simulation (DNS), to study the fluid dynamics, heat transfer and phase change processes in canonical and practically relevant configurations. Furthermore, the candidate will employ advanced data-driven and machine learning methods to analyse the results from the large-scale simulations and subsequently derive practical models. 

Requirements 

The qualifications for the positions are specified in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure https://www.utu.fi/en/university/organisation (the title of doctoral researcher replaces previous title of doctoral candidate 1.8.2022 onwards).

Successful candidates should have a MSc degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely related field. The degree must be completed before the end of the application period. Previous experience in computational simulation or computational fluid dynamics is considered highly beneficial. However, the candidate will have the opportunity to take advanced, doctoral-level courses to gain further knowledge and expertise in computational fluid dynamics of multi-phase and chemically reacting flows.

The following skills are essential for a successful completion of the project: 

- Numerical methods in engineering, physics and mathematics 

- Python, Matlab, C++, Fortran or other relevant programming languages 

- Ability to work with complex numerical simulation software packages, such as OpenFOAM 

Employment 

All candidates are expected to apply for a doctoral programme within the University of Turku’s Graduate school (UTUGS) during the next possible application period (i.e. spring 2023). For further information on UTU’s graduate school and the respective programmes, as well as the admission criteria, see:  

https://www.utu.fi/en/research/utugs  
Please pay special attention to mandatory skill levels in English. Fluent oral and written communication skills in English are a strict requirement for the position. 

The task is fixed-term and the starting time of the position is 1.2.2023, or as soon as possible according to mutual agreement. The employment period will be for three years. If the candidate does not have study rights for a doctoral programme at UTU yet, they will initially be hired as project researcher until 31.05.2023 and must apply for their study rights during the spring-2023 application period.

The salary is determined in accordance with the University of Turku’s salary system for teaching and research personnel and for a doctoral researcher the salary will be 2300 – 2500 €/month on average. The trial period for a doctoral researcher is six (6) months and for a project researcher the trial period is two (2) months.

Ready to apply?

The application period has been extended until 24th of January 2023. The applications we have already received are considered in the call. 

Please submit your applications electronically no later than Tuesday 24th of January 2023 (23:59) via the university’s webpages: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us/open-vacancies 
The link to the online application system is at the beginning of the job description (“Apply for the job”).

Applications should be submitted in English, and include the following documents: 

1) Motivation letter (max. 2 pages) focusing on your strengths related to our research topic 

2) CV (max. 4 pages) including contact details of at least two referees, i.e., prior academic supervisors or persons acquainted with you and your work (name, affiliation, e-mail address)  

3) List of publications (if applicable) 

4) Degree certificates and academic transcripts 

5) Copy of your master's thesis and 2 most important publications 

6) Other possible documents showcasing the candidate’s merits and suitableness for the position 

The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. University of Turku reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, reopen the application process, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period. 

For further information on the research topic and funding, please contact Assistant professor Armin Wehrfritz (E-mail address: armin.wehrfritz@utu.fi). For questions related to the application process, please contact HR specialist Sarian Kotka. (E-mail address: sarian.kotka@utu.fi).