Research Fellow in Thermofluid Topology Optimisation

EURAXESS Ireland; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Southampton is seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow to join an EPSRC-funded project on thermofluid topology optimisation. You will advance computational methods for large-scale design problems and contribute to scalable algorithms and high-performance CFD.

The role emphasizes adjoint-based sensitivity analysis, turbulence modelling, and robust multi-physics design in 3D thermofluid systems, collaborating with experts in flow simulation and experimental mechanics.

Qualifications

• Strong background in computational fluid dynamics (OpenFOAM preferred).
• Experience with topology optimisation and adjoint methods is advantageous.
• Familiarity with turbulent flow modelling and heat transfer is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop scalable optimisation algorithms for large-scale thermofluid design problems.
• Apply adjoint-based sensitivity analysis and high-performance CFD to complex multi-physics systems.
• Collaborate with flow simulation and experimental fluid mechanics groups on the project.

Skills

Computational Fluid Dynamics

Numerical Optimisation

High-Performance Computing

Topology Optimisation

Adjoint Methods

Turbulent Flow Modelling

Heat Transfer

Tools

OpenFOAM

Job description

Organisation/Company UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON Research Field Engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 25 Nov 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

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.