Research Associate - Engineering

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University’s Zucrow Laboratories seeks a Research Associate - Engineering to help lead experimental investigations in multiphase flow and combustion phenomena for propulsion and energetics applications. The role involves developing laboratory facilities, advancing optical diagnostics, processing data, and disseminating results in journals and at conferences.

The candidate will work under Dr. Guildenbecher, contributing to grant writing and collaborative projects with government labs,

Qualifications

• Experience with multiphase combustion physics and related diagnostics.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with demonstrated publication record.

Responsibilities

• Lead research operations and execution with task definition, experimental configuration, safety coordination, data acquisition, data processing, and report generation.
• Advise students in coordination with faculty advisors.
• Coordinate research operations with Zucrow Laboratory and other university parties.
• Present research results at major conferences, meetings, and customer facilities.

Skills

Multiphase combustion

Optical diagnostics

Imaging diagnostics

Peer-reviewed publication

Education

Master's degree in a relevant field

PhD in a relevant field (nice to have)

Job description

Job Title: Research Associate - Engineering

City: West Lafayette

Job Description:

Job Summary

Assist with the leadership of research projects and advising of students performing experimental investigation of multiphase flow and combustion phenomena for applications to propulsion, energetics, and other systems at Zucrow Laboratories. The Guildenbecher research group is leading several sponsored programs that are (i) investigating reacting metal, carbon, and other particles in isolated and group combustion environments, (ii) developing optical diagnostics to quantify multiphase reaction species, temperatures, concentrations, and other quantities of interest, (iii) engineering high-speed flow facilities to study multiphase dynamics in propulsion systems, and (iv) collaborating with government labs, academia, and industry to apply experimental knowledge and perform model validation. Experiments make use of laser and imaging diagnostics, such as high-speed cameras, digital inline holography (DIH), particle imaging velocimetry (PIV), laser induced florescence (LIF), laser absorption spectroscopy (LAS), emission spectroscopy, etc. Experimental facilities include benchtop laser configurations, liquid spray devices, electrodynamic chambers (EDC) for particle levitation, explosive blast configurations, and large flow rigs at Zucrow Laboratories. The candidate should have related prior experience, and this position will provide abundant opportunities to learn and advance skillsets in these and other topics.

The candidate will contribute to development of laboratory facilities, advancement of optical diagnostics, measurement acquisition, data processing, and dissemination of results via journal and conference proceedings. Dr. Guildenbecher will assist and advise the candidate throughout these efforts. At the candidate’s discretion, they may also help formulate new research ideas and customers through grant writing in coordination with the faculty lead.

Due to federal requirements associated with this position, U.S. citizenship is required as a condition of employment.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Lead research operations and execution with responsibility for task definition, experimental configuration, safety coordination, data acquisition, data processing, and report generation
• Advise students in coordination with the faculty advisors(s)
• Coordinate research operations with Zucrow Laboratory and other university parties
• Present research results at major conferences, meetings, and customer facilities

About Us:

The College of Engineering at Purdue University is among the best and largest Engineering schools in the world. With nearly 16,000 engineering students and more than 500 tenure track faculty in the college, this position has ample opportunity to have an impact at one of the world’s most influential universities.

For more information about our department, please visit:

• College of Engineering, Purdue University https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr
• External Recognitions Program https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/People/Awards
• College of Engineering's Social Media https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/AboutUs/social

What We're Looking For:

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field
• One (1) year of experience

Skills needed:

• Research experience one or more of the following topics: multiphase combustion physics, linear optics, advanced imaging diagnostics, laser diagnostics, optical spectroscopy, high-flow and high-pressure facility operations, and model validation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with demonstrated ability to publish novel findings in peer-reviewed articles.

Nice to have:

• PhD in a relevant field of engineering or science

Who We Are:

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Additional Information:

• Purdue’s benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period

Career Stream

Compensation Information:
Professional 2
Pay Band S120
Job Code#20003028

Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php

EOE

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university