Postdoctoral position in Hydrogen aircraft propulsion

We invite applicants to join a team of leading-edge researchers within the area of turbomachinery applications for aeroengines. This is an opportunity for you to contribute to the development of a techno-economic evaluation framework for the aviation sector. The research project is applied and closely linked to industrial interests and needs.

Information about the research group
The research group of turbomachinery and aeroacoustics , consisting of two professors, one associate professor, one researcher and 10 Ph.D. students, is part of the fluid dynamics division. The group works mainly within the area of turbomachinery applications for aeroengines. The research focus is on system analysis, engine concept evaluation, and detailed high speed compressible flow in compressors, turbines, transition ducts, heat-exchangers, combustors/afterburners and nozzles. The system analysis studies range from developing models for space launchers to minimizing operating cost for civil airlines.

Generic tools for system analysis have been developed within the group (GESTPAN) coupling ordinary differential algebraic equations with optimizers to model aircraft performance, engine performance, weight, operating cost, emission formation and noise pollution. In project PATH, these tools will be applied to develop a techno-economic evaluation framework to investigate how different scenarios for the direct usage of hydrogen in the aviation sector could develop and the resulting life cycle cost and emissions. Advancing the area in systems analysis, with a particular emphasis on cryogenic fuels is an important contribution to the research group.

On the propulsion side, we see a need to develop synergistic heat management concepts that exploit the heat sink capacity of hydrogen, converging into concepts that are more fuel efficient, flexible and reliable. On the aircraft side we look to better predict the impact of hydrogen installation on the aircraft performance and to establish mission level emissions resulting from the usage of new fuels and engine concepts. This will be achieved by performing conceptual design activities on the propulsion integrated system, including weight and performance modelling. Detailed flow analysis including CFD and experimental activities on novel engine components will be complementary to the above activities.

Your work will mostly contribute to project PATH, and will support the ongoing activities of Horizon 2020 project ENABLEH2, Energy Agency H2Jet and NordicZero. Chalmers has an important role relating to the topics of this postdoc position.

Major responsibilities
You will develop software and analysis models for Hydrogen aircraft propulsion and enhance this area in relation to teaching efforts and collaborating with on-going Ph.D. projects, with a focus on space related applications.

The position may also include teaching on undergraduate and master's levels as well as supervising master's and/or PhD students to a certain extent. Another important aspect involves collaboration within academia and with society at large. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. It is limited to a maximum of two years, starting with a one-year employment, followed by an evaluation, if the work is proceeding sufficiently well the employment will be extended for a second year.

Qualifications
To qualify for this postdoctoral researcher position, you should have a Ph.D. degree in the aerospace area, preferably with a focus on propulsion. You need an understanding of system analysis and a background in turbomachinery design and CFD. Advanced courses in propulsion and previous teaching experience in the area are beneficial. Experience in interdisciplinary cooperation, as well as experience in designing new propulsion concepts are meritorious.

Good written and verbal English communication skills are essential. We are looking for a motivated and independent researcher with good analytical skills, who likes to explore and learn new things. Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg .
Read more about working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence . Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20210476 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV:(Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 15 November, 2021

For questions, please contact:
Carlos Xisto, associate professor
Email: [email protected]

Tomas Grönstedt, professor
Email: [email protected]

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***

Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2) conducts fundamental and applied research in all modes of transport to achieve sustainable technological solutions as well as research to achieve environmentally-friendly process techniques and a sustainable energy supply. M2 holds one of Sweden’s most extensive simulator centre for navigation and propulsion of ships, and world class laboratories within combustion engineering and wind tunnels. The department continuously strives to establish a cooperation between academia, industry, and society, with a strong focus on utilisation.

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!    

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