Research Fellow (Computational Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics)

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to March 2027

Background

Are you passionate about harnessing computational power to crack the secrets of aerodynamic sound generation for noise reduction? We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our group at the University of Birmingham, working on an exciting project funded by the EPSRC to understand and reduce turbulence-generated noise by leveraging high-fidelity flow simulation and modern data-driven approaches. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research with direct industrial applications. 

Noise pollution has become the second-largest environmental cause of health problems in Europe, just after air pollution. Turbulence-generated noise is one of the most significant contributors, including noise from aircraft, wind turbines and land vehicles. Although the noise source is mathematically defined in acoustic analogy, the understanding of the physical process of noise generation remains incomplete. This consistently prevents us from effectively reducing the noise at the source. In our previous research, high-fidelity simulations have been developed to reproduce noise generation in turbulent flows from first principles, which enables a detailed examination of noise source mechanisms and noise reduction strategies.

This position will focus on developing advanced turbulence simulations with modern data-driven methods to unravel the nonlinear mechanisms of noise generation by turbulent flows, which will inform novel control strategies for reducing noise at the source. This exciting interdisciplinary project lies at the interface of fluid dynamics, acoustics and data science and offers opportunities to collaborate with leading academic and industrial partners, such as from Southampton, Cambridge, MIT and Rolls-Royce. The successful applicant will work in a vibrant and inclusive research group, led by Dr Zhong-Nan Wang. They will have the opportunity to conduct research with access to cutting-edge computational resources and benefit from direct industry engagement. They will also be supported to present research work and receive relevant training at national or international conferences and workshops. 

Person Specification

This position requires a higher degree (PhD or close to completion) relevant to the research area of this project, such as fluid mechanics, aerodynamics and aeroacoustics. The experience in developing CFD code is required and the knowledge of data-driven methods, hydrodynamic instability or aeroacoustics is desirable. Skills in programming are essential.

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Zhong-Nan Wang, email: z.n.wang@bham.ac.uk or telephone 0121 41415193

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

Closes: 02/03/2025

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