Research Associate in Molecular Modelling of Interfacial Heat Transfer

Fixed Term Contract- 24 months

Full Time- 35 hours per week

The Opportunity:

The Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position is to work with Dr Rohit Pillai in the Institute for Multiscale Thermofluids, School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh. This position is funded by his ERC Starting Grant NANO-COOL (underwritten by the UKRI).  This project focuses on developing a computational toolkit to design the next generation of electronics cooling devices. The candidate is expected to have expertise and experience in particle-based computer simulations in the broad area of interfacial phenomena or heat and mass transfer. 

This post will focus on: a) running molecular simulations of heat transfer at complex solid/liquid interfaces; and b) extending the application of our recently-developed spectral capabilities to understand and optimise interfacial heat transfer. For an overview of our recent work in this area, as well as the broad contours of the proposed work, see our recent paper: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jpcc.4c00536. 

Our group is broadly interested in computational/theoretical study of nanoscale physics underlying interfacial phenomena, with a focus on engineering applications. We use molecular dynamics, kinetic theory, computational fluid dynamics, and multiscale modelling. Further details about our research group can be found at https://multiscaleflowx.ac.uk.  Exceptional research and training opportunities in our research group include:

• weekly meetings with PI and regular group meetings to discuss the research progress;
• collaborating with a large interdisciplinary network of researchers;
• regular opportunities for travel to national/international conferences to present new research;
• training and experience in state-of-the-art engineering research software;
• exceptional career development opportunities (most of our recent PDRAs have either moved into independent academic roles or won competitive research fellowships by the end of their contract).

Interviews will be held soon after the closing date of the advert, and the position is set to commence in September 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The post is for 24 months in the first instance, with extension possible based on performance and mutual interest. Informal enquiries are welcome and should please be directed to R.Pillai@ed.ac.uk. Please get in touch for example if you meet some - but not all - the listed criteria, and would like to ascertain your background is fit for this advertised role

Your skills and attributes for success:

• An undergraduate degree and a computational PhD in engineering, physical sciences, applied mathematics or a clearly related area.
• Proven track record of research in computational solid/fluid dynamics, with a specific expertise in interfacial phenomena or heat and mass transfer.
• Demonstrable skills in developing and running particle-based computer simulations.
• A track record of high-quality research outputs, including peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including with colleagues from different backgrounds.

To apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above

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