Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellow ITN - Multi-disciplinary Design Optimization of Cellular Heat Exchangers (1037218AK-R-R)

A position in the area of Multi-disciplinary Design Optimisation of Cellular Heat Exchangers (InDESTruct ESR1) leading to a PhD is available at the University of Southampton.

For up to 18 months of the post you will be based at Boldrewood Campus at the University of Southampton, with the remaining time spent at Vestas Aircoil in Denmark.

You will pursue research in the area of multi-disciplinary design and optimisation. This is an exciting project lying at the interface of design, optimisation, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), fluid and structural mechanics, vibration, mathematical modelling, and material science.  The project will focus on the multi-disciplinary optimisation of a heat exchanger system.

The recruited PhD student will aim to develop a novel automated design framework based on cutting edge machine learning and AI approaches in order to explore and improve the multi-disciplinary performance of novel cellular heat exchanger topologies. Specific focus of this studentship will be on fluid dynamic simulation and the development of a generic framework within which other performance criteria e.g. stresses, vibration response, life etc. can be assessed and optimised. The successful candidate should have an undergraduate degree or equivalent in a numerate discipline e.g. engineering, physics or applied mathematics (or equivalent), ideally with experience in computational fluid dynamics, computer aided design and experience of programming in Matlab, Python or similar.

Dr David Toal and Dr Edward Richardson within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences are the academic supervisors. Additionally, there will be industrial co-supervisors from Vestas Aircoil.

Essential criteria:

•A bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in a numerate discipline (engineering, physics, applied mathematics or materials science) with computational as well as experimental interests.  This will have been earned prior to joining the doctoral programme.

•Proven programming skills and a flair for mathematical modelling

•For research students whose first language is not English, a Certificate of English language proficiency (of Band C minimum). Details of the requirement are given in the link below: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissionspolicies/language/?utm_source=ugprospectus&utm_medium=print&utm_campaign=undergraduate-2015

•Teamwork skills

•Self motivated with the ability to define your own research questions.

Desirable criteria:

•A master’s degree in a numerate discipline (engineering, applied mathematics, physics, or theoretical chemistry)

•Interest in carrying out laboratory experiments

Applicants shall, at the time of recruitment, be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and not yet have been awarded a doctoral degree. Full-time equivalent research experience is measured from the date when a researcher obtained the degree which would formally entitle him/her to embark on a doctorate.

At the time of recruitment, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the UK for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment date. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken into account.

We offer:

•Competitive salary in a full time position

•Mobility allowance as per rules

•An exciting training environment at the University of Southampton and the other industrial partner organisations

In the last sections of the application form where you have the opportunity to add supporting documents, please attach the following:

•CV (summarizing education, positions held and academic work - scientific publications)

•A 1-page Personal Statement detailing your reasons for applying, research interests, research experience, academic achievements and career ambitions.

•Copies of educational and English Test certificates and transcript of records

•List of publications, if any

Further details:

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Please note that applications from agencies will not be accepted unless indicated in the job advert.

Application procedure:

You should submit your completed online application form at https://jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Georgie Warren (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 7749. Please quote reference 1037218AK-R-R on all correspondence.

Closing Date: 11 Apr 2019
Post Type: Education, Research & Enterprise