Postdoctoral Researcher

Clemson University; Greenville (SC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Clemson University in Greenville, SC, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Advanced Combustion and Renewable Fuels Lab (CU-ICAR). The role focuses on CFD simulations of engine combustion concepts for renewable fuels, using ethanol, methanol, and DME data to validate models.

The position emphasizes CFD analysis, collaboration across a multidisciplinary team, and contributions to grants, papers, and presentations. It is a full-time, on-site appointment based in Greenville.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or related field by start date.
• Experience in engine combustion CFD and data analysis.
• Strong written and oral communication in collaborative settings.
• Publication record and conference presentations are valued.
• Experience with CFD software such as OpenFOAM or CONVERGE is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Submit CFD simulations to the HPC cluster and analyze results.
• Compare simulations with experimental data and validate models.
• Contribute to publications and project reports.
• Collaborate with faculty, graduate and undergraduate researchers.

Skills

CFD

Data analysis

Scholarly dissemination

Collaboration

Python

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

OpenFOAM

CONVERGE CFD

HPC

Job description

Company Description: Clemson University is a nationally recognized public research institution with a 130-year history of service to the people of South Carolina. Founded with a land-grant mission to advance the state’s material resources through higher education, Clemson has grown into an R1 university known for high-impact research and innovation. The university emphasizes honesty, integrity, and respect, and has educated more than 160,000 graduates who lead in diverse professions worldwide. Clemson values interdisciplinary collaboration, diverse perspectives, and determined individuals who strive to create meaningful impact in their fields.

Role Description: The Postdoctoral Researcher is a full-time, on-site position based in Greenville, SC. This role involves conducting CFD simulations of advanced engine combustion concepts to better understand how to combust renewable fuels. Working with colleagues in the Advanced Combustion and Renewable Fuels Lab at Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), the Postdoctoral Researcher would help with our ongoing projects involving ethanol, methanol, and dimethyl ether (DME), as well as other alternative fuels paired with advanced combustion concept.

This position focuses on CFD simulation and analysis, using experimental data generated by our team or project sponsors to validate combustion simulations. Then, the validated CFD models can help inform experiments and engine design.Job responsibilities include submitting CFD simulations to our HPC cluster, analyzing data, reporting results to project sponsors, and contributing to publications and presentations. The Postdoctoral Researcher will collaborate with faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students, participate in lab meetings, and support the development of grant proposals.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or a closely related field by the start date
• Prior research experience in engine combustion CFD
• Strong research abilities, including execution and scholarly dissemination.
• Solid background in Physics or closely related disciplines.
• Proficiency in data analysis, including quantitative methods and use of appropriate software tools.
• Effective written and oral communication skills, with the ability to collaborate in diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong organizational skills, independence in managing research tasks, and commitment to ethical research practices.
• Publication record in peer-reviewed journals and experience presenting at scientific conferences is highly beneficial.
• Preferred: Experience with Convergent Science’s CONVERGE CFD software; OpenFOAM experience is also welcome.
• Preferred: Experience with Combustion modeling involving ethanol, methanol, DME, or other alternative and renewable fuels.
• Preferred: Experience with Advanced compression ignition or spark ignition strategies.