Apply on Employer Site

Virginia Commonwealth University - College of Engineering · 12 hours ago

Postdoctoral Research Associate- FAST RG: Experimental Thermal Hydraulics/Thermal-Fluids

Richmond, VA

Part-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$55K/yr - $65K/yr

3+ years exp

Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering is seeking candidates for the Postdoctoral Research Associate position in Experimental Thermal Hydraulics/Thermal-Fluids. The role involves conducting CFD modeling and supporting experimental testing in thermal performance and flow visualization data for advanced nuclear and fusion energy systems.

Higher Education

Responsibilities

Conduct CFD and system level modeling of advanced nuclear and fusion energy systems

Support experimental testing in scaled surrogate fluids facilities for both thermal performance and detailed velocimetry (flow visualization) data

Supporting a center funded project focused on molten salt flow loop experimental testing using surrogate fluids and computational modeling

Create custom in-house built flow loops that use commercial DAQ units

Develop, run, and interpret results from one or more studies

Work and collaborate with a vast network of scientists and engineers at VCU, nationally (universities, national laboratories, federal agencies), and international organizations

Qualification

Fluid MechanicsHeat TransferExperimental Fluid DynamicsData AcquisitionCFD ModelingPythonMATLABCommunication SkillsMentoringTeam Collaboration

Required

Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field such as Physics

Academic background in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and/or (chemical) transport phenomena

At least three combined years of experimental testing in thermal hydraulics/thermal-fluids during PhD involving flow loops including working with thermocouples, pressure transducers and flow meters and setting up data acquisitioning equipment (electrical wiring/circuits)

Ability to mentor junior team members (graduate and undergraduate students), and ensure the highest levels of laboratory safety (ability to handle laboratory hygiene and any findings)

Excellent communication skills: Ability to communicate verbally (one-on-one, group, and presentations) and non-verbally (email, journal/conference papers)

Demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams

Ability to work under tight deadlines and short turnaround times

Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a postdoc at VCU

Preferred

Experience working with experiments involving natural/free circulation of fluids and measurements involving thermocouples, pressure sensors, and indirect flow sensing. Note: A contributed section in DOE report in OSTI would be considered as sufficient

Experience doing system modeling and/or CFD modeling of heat transport loops or relevant systems. Note: A contributed section in DOE report in OSTI would be considered as sufficient

Experience mentoring students (undergraduate and graduate) and project management to generate deliverables for sponsor deadlines

Previous working experience of the CFD code (nek5000/nekRS) as applied to an LWR and/or advanced reactor (HTGR, SFR, MSR, other) with specific experience setting up cases (input decks, post processing), running, troubleshooting, and data analysis resulting in one or more conference/journal publication. Note: A contributed section in DOE report in OSTI would be considered as sufficient