Postdoc: Predictive Plasma-Assisted Combustion Kinetics

Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Elsene; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Homeworking options

Telework allowance

Job summary

Vrije Universiteit Brussel seeks a postdoctoral researcher in plasma‑assisted combustion to develop next‑generation kinetic models. The project ESCAPADE combines ab initio calculations, experiments and data‑driven methods to advance predictive plasma‑chemistry simulations.

You will work within the FLOW group and BRITE collaboration on ammonia/hydrogen blends, with a start date of 01/02/2027 and a 1 FTE contract for 12 months (extendable based on evaluations).

Qualifications

• PhD in engineering, chemistry, physics, or applied mathematics with focus on kinetic modelling, combustion, fluids or plasma physics.
• Experience in numerical simulation and computational programming (Fortran/Python/C++).
• Familiarity with CFD tools such as Ansys Fluent or OpenFOAM is a plus; plasma‑assisted combustion physics is a plus.
• Fluent in written and spoken English; able to work in a team and independently.

Responsibilities

• Develop next‑generation plasma‑chemistry kinetic models for PAC.
• Integrate ab initio calculations, experiments, and data‑driven approaches.
• Build state‑to‑state reaction mechanisms and validate against data.
• Collaborate with FLOW/BRITE groups and ERC ESCAPADE work packages.
• Contribute to dissemination and reporting of research results.

Skills

Numerical simulation

Programming (Fortran/Python/C++)

Fluent English

Team player / collaboration

Independent working

Education

PhD in engineering, chemistry, physics, or applied mathematics

Tools

Ansys Fluent

OpenFOAM

Job description

Vrije Universiteit Brussel seeks a postdoctoral researcher in plasma‑assisted combustion to develop next‑generation kinetic models. The project ESCAPADE combines ab initio calculations, experiments and data‑driven methods to advance predictive plasma‑chemistry simulations.

You will work within the FLOW group and BRITE collaboration on ammonia/hydrogen blends, with a start date of 01/02/2027 and a 1 FTE contract for 12 months (extendable based on evaluations).