CENTRALE LYON - Postdoc Rotating convection on the tilted f−plane

CENTRALE LYON; Écully; Sur place; EUR 32 000 - 42 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A renowned research laboratory in Écully is seeking a Postdoc to investigate rotating convection on the tilted f-plane. This role involves using high-performance simulations to analyze flows significant to geophysical fluid dynamics. Candidates must have a PhD and a strong background in numerical and theoretical fluid mechanics. Proficiency in Python and good interpersonal skills are essential. This is an on-site position with opportunities for scientific communication and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Solid background and publication track record in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics.
• Proficiency in Python (or an equivalent language) and familiarity with high-performance computing environments.
• Good interpersonal skills to work independently and in teams.

Responsabilités

• Set and run numerical simulations using Coral.
• Write scripts for processing and analyzing data sets.
• Report progress in group meetings and communicate results.

Connaissances

Geophysical Fluid Dynamics

Python

Interpersonal skills

High-performance computing

Formation

PhD in Physics, Geophysics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering

Description du poste

CENTRALE LYON - Postdoc Rotating convection on the tilted f−plane

• On-site

The Fluid Mechanics and Acoustics Laboratory (LMFA) develops a continuum of research in fluid mechanics and acoustics, from the understanding and the modelling of physical phenomena to applied research, in collaboration with industrial partners and public institutions

Turbulent convection is a key ingredient for planetary and stellar interiors, and for the subsurface oceans of icy-moons. In these celestial bodies, flows are heavily constrained by global rotation and, consequently, operate in a quasi-geostrophic regime characterised by the dominance of the pressure and Coriolis forces. Hallmarks of geostrophic turbulence include a marked anisotropy along rotation (Proudman-Taylor theorem) and the propensity to form large scale structures in the form of vortices or zonal jets.

Rotating Rayleigh-Benard convection (RRBC) is a quintessential paradigm for understanding these flows in a simplified cartesian geometry. The case of aligned gravity and rotation (‘upright’ convection) that pertains to polar regions and has been the focus of many studies, including laboratory experiments, asymptotic models and recent direct numerical simulations reaching realistic rotation rates (see the publication by van Kan, Julien, Miquel, Knobloch, J. Fluid Mech. 2025). Comparatively, the case of misaligned gravity and rotation that pertains to fluid patches at latitudes away from the poles has received much less attention despite its importance for regional parametrization in global spherical models.

Guided by asymptotic models, this work will use direct numerical simulations to analyze rapidly rotating Rayleigh-Benard convection on the tilted f-plane by focussing on the transition to the geostrophic regimes. The case of different fluids, including water and liquid metal, will be considered. The tasks associated with the project will include setting and running numerical simulations using Coral, an in-house high-performance spectral solver written in Fortran; writing scripts in Python (or another equivalent high-level language) for processing and analysing the generated data sets; surveying the relevant literature and reporting progresses in regular group meetings; communicating the results in scientific articles and conferences.

Job requirements

Diplômes : PhD in Physics, Geophysics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or a similar field

Expérience : Solid background and publication track record in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics

Connaissances Numerical and theoretical Fluid Mechanics

Compétences opérationnelles Proficiency in Python (or an equivalent language) and familiarity with high-performance computing environments (Unix). Knowledge of Fortran not necessary but would be a plus. Fluency (written and oral) in English is essential.

Compétences comportementales Good interpersonal skills, including the ability to work independently and to actively participate in group meetings and international collaborations