Postdoc in Fluid-Structure Interaction of Wind-Powered Ship Propulsion

Chalmers University of Technology; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position in the Division of Marine Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, focusing on wind-powered ship propulsion and fluid-structure interaction.

The project develops high-fidelity CFD and FEM simulations and advances numerical methods for coupled flow-structure problems, with collaboration with industry partners and researchers.

Qualifications

• PhD in mechanical engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or a relevant field by the time of employment decision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
• Programming experience in Python and MATLAB; familiarity with CAD/CAE tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with others.

Responsibilities

• Independently develop numerical methods and codes for fluid-structure interaction of wind-powered ships.
• Carry out and analyse high-fidelity CFD and FEM simulations of the coupled flow and structural response.
• Collaborate with senior researchers and industrial partners; participate in meetings and workshops.
• Write technical reports and publish in scientific journals and at conferences.
• Supervise master’s and/or PhD students to some extent; engage in teaching at undergraduate/masters level.

Skills

Computational fluid dynamics

Python programming

MATLAB programming

CAD/CAE tools experience

Teaching potential

Independent working

Collaborative skills

Education

Doctoral degree in mechanical engineering or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

CAD/CAE tools

Job description

Do you want to contribute to groundbreaking research in the wind-powered ship propulsion field? This is an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral position at the Division of Marine Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, focused on innovative research in fluid-structure interaction of wind-powered ships.

About Us

At the Department of Mechanical Engineering, we unite the power of technology, people, and society to drive the transition toward a sustainable future. Through research, education, and collaboration, we create solutions that connect materials to mobility, ideas to impact – shaping a resilient and sustainable world.

The Division of Marine Technology develops knowledge and solutions for the sustainable maritime systems of the future and a fossil-free society. Through interdisciplinary research, we contribute to energy-efficient and safe marine systems with reduced negative environmental impact – from ships and underwater vehicles to offshore structures and renewable ocean energy.

About The Research Project

Wind-powered propulsion is a key route to reducing emissions from shipping, but the interaction between the flow around a wind propulsion system and the structural response of the system is still insufficiently understood. This project investigates the underlying fluid-structure interaction mechanisms and develops advanced numerical methods for high-fidelity simulation of the coupled problem.

The position is hosted by the Division of Marine Technology at Chalmers, with co-supervision from RISE and the Swedish shipping industry, and involves regular contact with the industrial partners.

Who We Are Looking For

The following requirements are mandatory:

• A doctoral degree in mechanical engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or a relevant field of fluid or structural dynamics, or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Experience in computational fluid dynamics
• Experience in computer programming, in particular Python and Matlab, and in CAD and CAE tools
• Ability to work independently and also to enjoy collaborating with others

You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.

The Following Experience Will Strengthen Your Application

• It is highly meritorious if the doctoral degree has been obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Experience in scientific computing and high-performance computing
• Experience in coupling algorithms for fluid-structure interaction solvers

What You Will Do

• Independently develop numerical methods and codes for fluid-structure interaction of wind-powered ships
• Carry out and analyse high-fidelity CFD and FEM simulations of the coupled flow and structural response
• Collaborate with senior researchers and industrial partners, including regular meetings and workshops
• Write technical reports and publish in scientific journals and at conferences
• Supervise master’s and/or PhD students to a certain extent
• Possibility to engage in teaching at undergraduate/master’s level

The position is meritorious for future roles in academia, industry, or the public sector.

Contract terms

The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension.

The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.

What We Offer

• As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and ourbenefits for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

For Questions, Please Contact

Hua-Dong Yao, Professor, Marine Technology, [e-mail], [phone]

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.

Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.