Postdoc in next generation thermal architectures for electrified transport

Karlstad University; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 350,000 - 450,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee benefits

Dynamic working environment

Swedish courses for non-native speakers

Job summary

Karlstad University is looking for a Postdoc in Next Generation Thermal Architectures for Electrified Transport in Gothenburg. This role involves pursuing research in developing efficient cooling solutions for electric drivetrains, and requires a doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering along with a strong background in relevant fields.

You will be part of a dynamic group within the Department of Mechanical Engineering, contributing significantly to societal development through innovative research.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Solid background in Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and CFD.
• Independence, creativity, motivation, and strong numerical abilities.

Responsibilities

• Pursue research within the project focusing on thermal management systems.
• Develop a modelling and optimisation framework.
• Supervise master's students and contribute to teaching.

Skills

Fluid Mechanics

Thermodynamics

CFD

Communication skills in English

Analytical abilities

Education

Doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

STAR CCM+

Open-source models

Job description

Postdoc in next generation thermal architectures for electrified transport

Our goal is to focus on competence, knowledge and collaboration in order to play an important, demonstrable role in social development.

We are looking for a postdoc to join our team at the Division of Vehicle Engineering and Autonomous Systems, Department of Mechanical Engineering. Become part of our innovative group and contribute to exciting research in the area of thermal architectures for electrified transport.

About us

At the Department of Mechanichal 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. We make impact.

At the Division ofVehicle Engineering and Autonomous Systems , our research in vehicle analysis and robotics supports the development of transport systems that integrate safety, energy efficiency, driving experience, artificial intelligence, and automation across the road, rail, aviation, and maritime sectors. Through our research we aim to develop innovative solutions to challenges of societal relevance.

Our group focuses on research aiming to improve energy efficiency, performance, driving experience, and safety of road vehicles. Using numerical simulations, experiments, and system-level analysis, we study the interactions between airflow, heat transfer, and vehicle components to develop methods and technologies for next-generation vehicles.

About the research project

As heavy transport becomes increasingly electrified, new thermal management challenges emerge. Larger onboard energy storage systems and transient high-load events place increasing pressure on cooling systems for batteries and hydrogen fuel cells. Current systems are often oversized because they are designed for worst-case conditions.

This project aims to develop and evaluate innovative thermal management concepts for future electric drivetrains, focusing on more compact and efficient cooling solutions using a multi-physics framework that captures real operating conditions.

The project is a collaboration between the Road Vehicle Aerodynamics and Thermal Management Group and the Turbomachinery and Aeroacoustics Group at Chalmers.

Who we are looking for

The following requirements are mandatory:

• A doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering 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
• Solid background in Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics and CFD. Experience in automotive or aerospace applications is strongly desired.
• Independence, creativity, motivation, and strong numerical and analytic abilities

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 with the commercial code STAR CCM+ and programming in general

What you will do

Your main responsibility will be to pursue research within the project. You will be expected to develop a modelling and optimisation framework using open-source models for:

• Thermal management system modelling for novel cooling concepts.
• Aero-thermodynamic integration focusing on top-level modelling of drag penalties associated with heat exchanger sizing, placement and airflow requirements.
• Evaluation of down-selected concepts against known critical mission profiles.

You will also be expected to supervise master's students to some extent and contribute to teaching at the master's level on a limited basis.

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 our benefits 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.

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