Postdoctoral Research Associate — Boundary-Layer Transition and Computational Stability

Job summary

The researcher will investigate nonlinear interactions between stationary and traveling crossflow instabilities across various Mach numbers for an NSF-funded project. Responsibilities include developing robust scientific software and exploring complementary research directions such as roughness and chemistry effects in transition prediction.

Job details

Job Description The High-Speed Boundary Layer Transition Lab at the University of Notre Dame is seeking applications for a postdoctoral research associate in computational fluid dynamics, hydrodynamic stability, and boundary-layer transition. The position will be associated with the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. The postdoctoral researcher will primarily contribute to an NSF-funded project investigating nonlinear interactions between stationary and traveling crossflow instabilities over a wide range of Mach numbers, from incompressible through hypersonic conditions. This work seeks to improve our understanding of transition mechanisms in three-dimensional boundary layers and will involve computational modeling and analysis of instability growth and nonlinear interactions. The remainder of the position will provide flexibility to pursue complementary research directions and to help develop new computational capabilities within a growing research group. Potential topics include incorporating roughness, chemistry, and/or fluid-surface interaction effects in transition prediction tools and other projects in computational boundary-layer transition developed jointly based on the researcher’s interests and expertise. A major component of the position will be scientific software development. We are particularly interested in candidates who enjoy building robust computational tools in addition to using existing methods to answer research questions. Python is the preferred language for new development, although experience with other scientific computing languages is welcome. What we offer A combination of a well-defined funded research project and freedom to develop new research directions Support and mentorship for professional development tailored to the researcher’s long-term career goals Opportunities to contribute to proposal development, mentor students, and develop research leadership experience Competitive salary commensurate with experience and consistent with postdoctoral compensation standards in U.S. engineering and physical sciences, with potential for renewal up to two additional years Vibrant university community in a city with an affordable cost of living What we’re looking for Strong interest in boundary-layer transition, hydrodynamic stability, computational fluid dynamics, or related areas Motivation to take intellectual ownership of research projects and help develop new research directions Interest in scientific computing and development of research-quality numerical software Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with students and other researchers Strong oral and written communication skills Interest in mentoring graduate and undergraduate researchers Enthusiasm for developing both technical expertise and broader research leadership skills The start date is flexible. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Applicants should have, or expect to receive before beginning the position, a doctoral degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, computational science, or a closely related field. Candidates should have experience in computational fluid dynamics, numerical methods for partial differential equations, hydrodynamic stability, scientific computing, or a closely related area. Preferred Qualifications Candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply: Background in boundary-layer stability and transition, particularly in high-speed flows Strong experience with computational fluid dynamics, grid generation, and numerical methods Experience with adjoint methods, stability analysis, or related mathematical techniques Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., Python, C++, MATLAB) Ability to independently debug and develop research codes Expertise in every area listed above is not expected. Candidates with strong foundations in numerical methods or computational fluid dynamics who are interested in developing expertise in boundary-layer stability are also encouraged to apply. Application Instructions Please include A cover letter describing your research background, relevant experience, and research interests A curriculum vitae One representative publication with your individual contributions highlighted Names and contact information for three professional references In the cover letter, applicants are encouraged to briefly describe both their relevant previous work and the kinds of research problems they would be interested in developing during the postdoctoral appointment. For additional information High-Speed Boundary Layer Transition Lab Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering University of Notre Dame Dr. Madeline Peck mpeck3@nd.edu https://sites.nd.edu/hsblt-lab/ Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity. Dual Career Assistance To support relocating families, Notre Dame’s Dual Career Assistance Program helps spouses and partners pursue local career opportunities. Background Check This appointment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Applicants will be asked to identify all felony convictions and/or pending felony charges. Felony convictions do not automatically bar an individual from employment. Each case will be examined separately to determine the appropriateness of employment in the particular position. Failure to be forthcoming or dishonesty with respect to felony disclosures can result in the disqualification of a candidate. The full procedure can be viewed at https://facultyhandbook.nd.edu/?id=link-73597.

What you’ll do

The researcher will investigate nonlinear interactions between stationary and traveling crossflow instabilities across various Mach numbers for an NSF-funded project. Responsibilities include developing robust scientific software and exploring complementary research directions such as roughness and chemistry effects in transition prediction.

Requirements

Applicants must hold or expect a doctoral degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, or a related field. Experience in computational fluid dynamics, numerical methods for PDEs, and scientific programming is required.

Benefits

• Professional Development Support
• Mentorship
• Dual Career Assistance Program

Listed skills

• Python · Preferred
• C++ · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Hydrodynamic Stability
• Boundary-Layer Transition
• Python
• Numerical Methods
• Scientific Computing
• Partial Differential Equations
• Adjoint Methods
• Grid Generation
• C++
• MATLAB
• Software Development

Job areas

• Science & Research
• Engineering
• Education
• Software

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