Post-Doctoral Fellow

Worcester Polytechnic Institute • Worcester, MA

2d

About The Position

The Computational Multiphase Transport Laboratory (CMTL) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in computational multiphase flow. The researcher will conduct high-fidelity computational modeling of droplet dynamics, droplet–droplet interactions, and droplet interactions with solid surfaces, particularly for applications related to aircraft and wind-turbine icing.

Research may address droplet impact, deformation, coalescence, breakup, splashing, heat transfer, phase change and freezing, and interactions between multiple droplets and cold surfaces. The work involves developing and applying advanced numerical methods for interfacial multiphase flows, analyzing governing physical mechanisms, and comparing results with available experimental data.

The postdoctoral researcher may contribute to model development, conduct large-scale numerical simulations, collaborate with experimental and computational researchers, publish in leading journals, and mentor graduate and undergraduate students. Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for at least two references. The salary is $60,000 per year and is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity. WPI offers a benefits package that includes a retirement match, wellness perks, and tuition assistance.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computational Science, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in computational fluid dynamics and multiphase/interfacial flows.
• Experience with numerical modeling of droplets, free-surface flows, phase change, heat transfer, or related transport phenomena.
• Strong programming and scientific computing skills.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to conduct independent research and communicate results effectively.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with OpenFOAM and/or Basilisk.
• Experience with interface-capturing methods such as VOF, adaptive mesh refinement, or high-performance computing.
• Experience with simulations involving droplet impact and solidification/freezing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-fidelity computational modeling of droplet dynamics, droplet–droplet interactions, and droplet interactions with solid surfaces, particularly for aircraft and wind-turbine icing applications.
• Investigate topics such as droplet impact, deformation, coalescence, breakup, splashing, heat transfer, phase change and freezing, and interactions of multiple droplets with cold surfaces.
• Develop and apply advanced numerical methods for interfacial multiphase flows.
• Analyze governing physical mechanisms and compare computational results with available experimental data.
• Contribute to model development and conduct large-scale numerical simulations.
• Collaborate with experimental and computational researchers.
• Publish research in leading journals.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

Benefits

• Robust retirement match
• Wellness perks
• Tuition assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree