15218 - Research Associate in Multiscale Evaporation from Nanoporous Materials

The University of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Edinburgh invites applications for a Research Associate in Multiscale Evaporation from Nanoporous Materials. You will develop a multiphysics model of evaporation and test it against experimental data, joining a collaborative team in Edinburgh.

The role requires a computational PhD and experience in CFD and kinetic theory, with an interest in AI-enabled research. Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Qualifications

• Computational PhD in engineering, physical sciences or applied mathematics.
• Experience in continuum CFD modelling of liquids and/or kinetic theory of vapour.
• Interest in using AI agents in research and integrating them into work.

Responsibilities

• Develop a multiphysics model of evaporation in sub-100 nm pores.
• Couple a continuum liquid description with a kinetic-theory vapour model (DSMC).
• Test models against published experimental data and publish findings.

Skills

CFD modelling

Kinetic theory

AI in research

Mathematical modelling

Education

PhD in engineering

PhD in physical sciences

PhD in applied mathematics

Related field

Tools

DSMC

Molecular simulations

Job description

15218 - Research Associate in Multiscale Evaporation from Nanoporous Materials

School of Engineering / Institute for Multiscale Thermofluids

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-term: up to 30 months (to the end of the grant in August 2029)

Where curiosity becomes impact

The University isn't just any employer. We are part of a local community and a contributor to global thinking, progress and research. In Edinburgh, you are in one of the world's most attractive cities.

The University of Edinburgh is a world-class organisation. We look for the best in the field across all disciplines and provide a working environment where academics can develop their careers and passion for their chosen subject area.

The Opportunity:

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to work with Dr Rohit Pillai and Dr Livio Gibelli. The post is funded by NANO-COOL, Dr Pillai's European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant (funded by UK Research and Innovation), which is developing computational tools to design the next generation of electronics cooling devices.

You will develop a multiphysics model of evaporation in sub-100 nm pores, coupling a continuum description of the liquid with a kinetic-theory (DSMC, direct simulation Monte Carlo) description of the vapour, informed by molecular simulations from the NANO-COOL team, and test it against published experimental data. For an example of our recent work building a continuum model that includes molecular effects, see our recent paper. Our group is also building artificial intelligence (AI) agents into how it does research, and you will be encouraged to bring your own ideas for modelling and analysis.

You will have a computational PhD in engineering, physical sciences, applied mathematics or a clearly related area, and experience in continuum modelling (computational fluid dynamics, CFD) of liquids and/or kinetic theory of vapour, with a focus on evaporation, phase change, or heat and mass transfer. You will also have an interest in using AI agents in research and the initiative to build them into your own work.

We offer weekly meetings with your supervisors, monthly group meetings, a large interdisciplinary network of collaborators, regular travel to national and international conferences, and training in state-of-the-art research software. Most of our recent PDRAs have moved into independent academic roles or won competitive research fellowships by the end of their contract. Find out more about our group on the group website.

The post starts on 1st March 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week). We are open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.