Research Associate in Advanced Imaging Diagnostics Applied to Solid-Liquid Interfaces and Condensation Phase-Change

The Opportunity:

This Research Associate (RA) position will contribute to the research project with title Total Internal Reflection for Condensation Phase-Change TIR4CPC within the Institute for Multiscale Thermofluids at the University of Edinburgh, which is funded by the Office of Naval Research ONR and in collaboration with colleagues within the Institute for Multiscale Thermofluids at the University of Edinburgh.

The project focuses on exploring different bespoke imaging approaches, in particular making use of laser and optical techniques enabling unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution imaging of water and refrigerants direct interactions on solid surfaces at the solid-liquid interface at small scales during condensation phase-change. Sample Phase Detection high speed imaging, Total Internal Reflection, and/or Laser Induced Fluorescence coupled to optical microscopy will be applied to resolve the solid-liquid interactions at the micro-/nano-scale. In addition, Total Internal Reflection allows for the elucidation of the distance between the solid-gas and the liquid-gas interface of paramount importance during condensation and evaporation phase-change phenomena. Advanced techniques will be coupled with traditional shadowgraphy imaging and other surface characterisation techniques. These techniques will be applied to a variety of structured surfaces and functionalisation techniques. Findings will inform theoretical models of static and dynamic wetting, adhesion, friction, as well as phase change including both heat and mass transfer considerations of relevance to a wide range of applications including thermal management and/or refrigeration, microfluidics, biomedical, etc.

We are hiring a Research Associate with expertise in optical imaging techniques including laser diagnostics. Candidates with experience using the different relevant optical imaging techniques, combined with experimental fluid mechanics and phase-change will be considered. Strong candidates will exhibit the ability to learn new diagnostics and image processing methods and apply them to small scales. Candidates must have their PhD in Engineering or other relevant fields.

This role is UE07 and is available on a fixed term basis for up to 31 months.

A full list of main responsibilities and the knowledge, skills and experience required for the role can be found in the full job description below.

Your skills and attributes for success: 

• Proven track record in heat and mass transfer phase-change
• Experience in optical Imaging and characterisation techniques such as optical microscopy, shadowgraphy, laser induced fluorescence
• Strong track-record in publishing in peer reviewed scientific journals
• Experience on Applied Physics and fundamentals of phase-change and optical flows
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics and multiphase flows

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