Research fellow in thermofluid topology optimisation

University of Southampton; Southampton; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Southampton seeks a Research Fellow to advance thermofluid topology optimisation, building on an in-house framework for high-performance CFD and multi-physics design. You will develop scalable algorithms, extend adjoint sensitivity analysis, and tackle large-scale 3D problems with emphasis on numerical robustness and efficiency.

Applicants should have strong CFD experience (OpenFOAM preferred), numerical optimisation and HPC expertise, with knowledge of topology optimisation and

Qualifications

• Applicants should have a strong background in computational fluid dynamics (preferably with OpenFOAM).
• They should have experience in numerical optimisation and high-performance computing.
• They will work on topology optimisation and adjoint-based sensitivity analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop scalable optimisation algorithms for thermofluid topology optimisation.
• Extend adjoint-based sensitivity analysis to large-scale 3D systems.
• Conduct high-performance CFD studies and robust multi-physics design work.
• Apply topology optimisation to turbulent flow and heat transfer problems.

Skills

Computational Fluid Dynamics

Numerical optimisation

High-performance computing

Topology optimisation

Adjoint methods

Turbulent flow modelling

Heat transfer

Tools

OpenFOAM

Job description

Research fellow in thermofluid topology optimisation

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow to join an EPSRC-funded research project developing advanced computational methods for large-scale thermofluid topology optimisation. The project will build on our in-house thermofluid topology optimisation framework to design high-performance fluid-thermal systems governed by turbulent flow and heat transfer.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of scalable optimisation algorithms, adjoint-based sensitivity analysis, high-performance CFD, and robust treatment of complex multi-physics design problems. The role will involve extending and applying our existing topology optimisation capability to challenging three-dimensional thermofluid systems, with particular emphasis on computational efficiency, numerical robustness, and large-scale design spaces.

The project is part of a broader collaborative programme involving complementary expertise in high-fidelity flow simulation and experimental fluid mechanics.

Applicants should have a strong background in computational fluid dynamics (preferably with OpenFOAM), numerical optimisation, high-performance computing or a closely related area. Experience in topology optimisation, adjoint methods, turbulent flow modelling, heat transfer, or high-performance computing would be particularly advantageous.

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.

Company: University of Southampton

Salary: £37,369 to £41,885 a year

Hours: Full-time

Location: Southampton, SO17 1BJ

Working pattern: On-site

Job Type: Contract

Posting date: 28 Oct 2026

Closing date: 25 Nov 2026

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