Careers at the von Karman Institute: Construct the future together!
For 65 years as an international center of excellence in fluid dynamics, the von Karman Institute (VKI) brings together young engineers and scientists from all over the world to study, improve their skills and perform their research.
“A scientist studies what is, whereas an engineer creates what never was “ Théodore von Kármán
Besides its mission of education, the von Karman Institute gathers the top-level scientists and engineers to work on very challenging projects as the next generation of engines, new propulsion concepts, the new green energy, the safety of industry, solutions for a cleaner space, the Mission to Mars and many other fields of research which can make the difference for the humankind. Those scientists have access to more than 50 wind tunnels and test rigs, some of them unique in the world to help them in their projects.
VKI is a team of people looking in the same direction, for a better future, not only scientists and engineers but also students, PhD candidates, PostDocs, IT, Human Resources, accountants, librarians, designers, and technicians and more....
We are seeking a full-time post-doctoral fellow to join the von Karman Institute. The position is initially fixed-term for one or two years, that can be turned into a permanent position.
Application Deadline: Spontaneous applications are always accepted
Position Start Date: Open throughout the year
Background and Motivation
We are seeking a full-time post-doctoral fellow to join the von Karman Institute. The position is initially fixed-term for one or two years, that can be turned into a permanent position.
As part of a team investigating emerging combustion technologies for future propulsion and energy applications, you will support the numerical research programs run by the Aeronautics and Aerospace as well as Turbomachinery and Propulsion Departments at the von Karman Institute. The post-doctoral fellow will be responsible for the execution numerical studies of the computational projects related to emerging combustion technologies for propulsion systems reducing the environmental footprint of novel aircrafts and spacecrafts.
The candidate will be responsible for numerical simulation of hydrogen and hydrocarbon combustion to be set-up on open source and commercial solver platforms, execution of the simulations at cutting edge computational resources of the VKI and collaborators, processing the data to understand the underlying physics.
In particular, she or he will be responsible for the planning of the research objectives, the design and optimization of new combustors, the implementation of numerical techniques as well as the processing and analysis of the generated data.
The successful candidate is expected to organize the research data, report results and findings to colleagues as well as external research sponsors. The candidate is expected to contribute actively to the dissemination of her/his research findings through conference participation and peer-reviewed articles.
The candidate will also assist with grant proposal preparation and, if required, will mentor graduate students and PhD candidates involved in the research projects.
Requirements
You will have a PhD in Mechanical, Aeronautical/Aerospace, Chemical or related engineering field.
Experience is required in the field of theoretical, numerical and/or experimental reactive flows. The successful applicant is familiar with numerical tools and theory of combustion processes. The job requires multitasking skills and predisposition towards teamwork while liaising closely with faculty, student and staff members.
A background in one or more of the following subjects is a valuable asset: combustion modelling, high-speed combustion, detonation, porous media combustion, spray combustion, numerical methods in reactive flows, OpenFoam, Ansys/Fluent, Chemkin and Cantera. Good programming skills are expected in at least one of the following languages: C, C++ as well Matlab or Python. Knowledge and experience in non-intrusive experimental techniques (Raman scattering, LIF, PLIF, TDLAS etc.), gas chromatography as well as combustion rig design is an asset, but not a prerequisite. Fluent knowledge of English (oral and written) is mandatory.
Candidates are expected to be self-motivated team players. We ensure a high-level of interaction in a world-known international research center specialized in fluid dynamics for aerospace, environmental and propulsion applications.
Benefits
- We maintain a very friendly and international working environment, which will provide easy adaptation for the selected applicant.
- Employed by the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics in one of the most attractive areas of central Europe in the neighborhood of Brussels.
- Work at the internationally renowned von Karman Institute in a key role, emerging technologies for next-generation aircraft engines.
- Work in close collaboration with Belgian universities as well as an industrial network.
- Become part of the VKI network with global access to industry experts and academics in the field of fluid dynamics, aerospace, propulsion, and energy conversion.
- Experience the unique international workshop character of the VKI working environment.
- Access to specialized seminars and lecture series and to world-unique facilities.
Eligibility
As the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone who meets the eligibility criteria below is encouraged to apply for this position.
- meet the requirements for the duties concerned.
- be a citizen of one of the VKI partner countries: https://www.vki.ac.be/index.php/home-v16/eligibility
Contact information
Further information on the position and informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr. Bayındır H. Saracoğlu (Research Expert) saracog@vki.ac.be.
How to apply
Applications must contain a CV, motivation letter, publication list, contact information of two referees, copy of the Degree and Master title. CV must clearly indicate the exact dates of (1) each position held in the past, and (2) countries of residence in the last 5 years.
Important: do NOT send your application by email but apply online.
Cookies needed for this module weren't accepted or are blocked. Please check and review your cookie settings if you want to change this behaviour.
