Computational Scientist

CFD Research Corporation; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

Paid leave and disability coverage

Bonuses for exceptional performance

Job summary

CFD Research Corporation in Huntsville, AL, seeks a highly skilled Computational Scientist (Multiphysics Simulation) to extend our in-house platform and solve complex real-world problems in biotechnology and life sciences.

You will develop solvers in C++, apply numerical methods, and collaborate with experimental teams to integrate models with data, while contributing to reports, proposals, and publications.

Qualifications

• PhD with 3+ years of relevant experience in a closely related field.
• Strong background in numerical analysis, linear algebra, differential equations, or stochastic modeling.
• Proficiency in C++ for scientific computing and clean, well-tested code.
• Ability to work independently and communicate complex concepts clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop, extend, and maintain solvers within the in-house multiphysics platform.
• Apply models to a range of biological systems and simulations.
• Formulate and derive mathematical models for complex processes.
• Implement and validate models using numerical methods and algorithms.
• Collaborate with experimental scientists and engineers to integrate data.
• Document methodologies, code, and results; maintain reproducibility.

Skills

C++ for scientific computing

Numerical methods & modeling

Multiphysics simulation

Independent project management

Education

PhD with 3+ years in Applied Mathematics, Computational Science, Physics, Engineering, or related field

Tools

C++

Python

MATLAB

Julia

Git

Job description

About CFD Research

Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com

CFD Research is seeking a highly skilled Computational Scientist (Multiphysics Simulation) to join our Biotechnology and Life Sciences team, where they will play a central role in developing and extending our in-house multiphysics simulation platform to solve complex, real-world problems. The successful candidate will combine expertise in numerical methods and mathematical modeling with strong scientific software development skills in C++, implementing, testing, and validating solvers within a large, established codebase. In addition to core software development, the candidate will develop, apply, and support computational models and simulations for a range of biological systems and related applications. This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of theory, high-performance computing, and application in a collaborative, fast-paced environment focused on innovation and technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, extend, and maintain solvers within our in-house C++ multiphysics simulation platform
• Develop, apply, and support computational models and simulations across a range of biological systems and application areas, including high-resolution and multiscale simulations
• Formulate and derive mathematical models to simulate complex systems and processes
• Implement, analyze, and validate models using appropriate numerical methods and algorithms for solving differential equations, optimization problems, and stochastic systems
• Translate real-world problems into computational frameworks and scalable solutions
• Collaborate with experimental scientists and engineers to integrate modeling with empirical data
• Develop high-performance computing (HPC) solutions and optimize code for efficiency and scalability
• Document methodologies, code, and results
• Maintain best practices in version control, reproducibility, and software development
• Contribute to scientific reports, proposals, and peer-reviewed publications

Qualifications

Required

• PhD with 3+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent) in Applied Mathematics, Computational Science, Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated experience developing original mathematical/computational models and simulations for complex systems
• Strong foundation in numerical analysis, linear algebra, differential equations, and/or stochastic modeling, including implementation of numerical solvers (e.g., finite element or finite volume methods)
• Experience developing or applying computational models and simulations of physical or biological systems, with the ability to support a range of modeling and simulation applications
• Familiarity with data analysis and visualization tools
• Strong proficiency in C++ for scientific computing, with the ability to develop, extend, and maintain clean, well-tested code within a large existing codebase, working knowledge of additional languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Julia) for analysis and prototyping
• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity and a willingness to learn and apply new methods, tools, and scientific domains as project needs evolve
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal scientific communication skills, with the ability to convey complex mathematical concepts and collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams
• Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and troubleshoot complex technical challenges

Preferred

• Experience developing or extending large-scale multiphysics or PDE-based simulation software
• Experience developing computational models of biological systems (e.g., in vitro assays, cell-based systems, or other fit-for-purpose preclinical models)
• Background in a domain area such as bioinformatics, infectious disease modeling, fluid dynamics, or materials science
• Experience integrating machine learning with mechanistic models
• Familiarity with version control (e.g., Git) and collaborative software development workflows

Benefits

• CFD Research offers competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits, including an employer matching 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• CFD Research offers our Full-Time, permanent employee-owners a highly competitive insurance package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Additionally, we offer company paid leave, compensation time, parental leave, long-term and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance.
• Part-Time and Temporary employee-owners may receive partial or reduced benefits and leave time based on their employment status level.
• Performance appraisals occur twice a year and annual pay increases are based upon corporate goals, personal development, performance, and outstanding achievements.
• In addition, group and individual bonuses are awarded for exceptional performance.

CFD Research is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories