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We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

We are seeking a committed and motivated Research Associate to join the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering at the University of Sheffield. This exciting opportunity involves leading the development of advanced mathematical and computational models to investigate transition to turbulence in pipe flows influenced by fouling. The project,  "Investigation of Fouling in Brazil’s Pipeline Systems for Improved Water Supply and Energy Efficiency", funded by the Royal Society Collaboration Grant, is in partnership with Universidade Federal Fluminense and Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro,  home to a unique, state-of-the-art laboratory for pipe-flow experiments. The successful candidate will investigate the impact of fouling on pipe flows, from the entrainment of realistic ambient disturbances at the pipe entrance to the fully-developed turbulent regime, using a powerful combination of theory (asymptotic methods, receptivity and stability analysis) and Direct Numerical Simulations. Experimental validation will be supported by our collaborators in Rio using their advanced experimental facilities.

As part of the School's renowned Thermofluids Research Group, you will work in one of the world’s leading hubs for fluid mechanics research. Additionally, you will benefit from interactions with the interdisciplinary Sheffield Fluid Mechanics Group. This role includes an extended research visit to Rio, to work closely with the experimental partners.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Conduct receptivity and stability analyses of the pipe entrance flow using the theoretical framework of the boundary-region equations.
• Implement fouling in direct numerical simulations and systematically investigate its effect  on the entrance and the fully-developed pipe flow.
• Work closely with the experimental partners from the lab in Rio de Janeiro to compare numerical and experimental data. A 3-month research visit to their lab is planned.
• Engage with stakeholders in Brazil alongside the Rio team to communicate project outcomes and maximize impact.
• Publish project outcomes in high-quality journals.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences and workshops.
• Ensure the availability of codes and data developed throughout the project, adhering to the University's Open Research policy and FAIR principles.
• Report results and progress in regular project’s meetings.
• Provide mentorship by co-supervising junior researchers and PhD students as appropriate.
• Contribute to the development of research proposals to secure fundings to further develop the group research programmes.
• Collaborate with Sheffield and Rio teams, adhering to principles of equitable partnership as outlined in the collaboration agreement.
• Uphold ethical and sustainable research practices in alignment with the University’s sustainability strategy.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Essential criteria

• A good honours degree in engineering/mathematics /physics or a closely related discipline. - Application.
• A PhD (or nearing completion) in Fluid Mechanics or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. - Application.
• Significant experience in high-fidelity simulations of turbulent flows, high-performance computational methods and programming. Application and Interview.
• Significant experience in mathematical modelling of wall-bounded shear flows and flow instabilities. - Application and Interview.
• Unique self-motivation and passion for research in fluid mechanics. Application and Interview.
• A proven track record of publishing high-quality scientific papers. Application and Interview.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including technical report and paper writing and delivering presentations. Application and Interview.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrating initiative and effective decision-making. Application and Interview.
• Ability to work within a University research group and in collaboration with external partners. Application and Interview.
• Demonstrated creativity in problem-solving with an understanding of long-term implications. Application and Interview.

Desirable criteria

• Background in receptivity theory and asymptotic methods. Application and Interview.
• Experience in developing and maintaining professional networks. Adaptability to apply skills to new and evolving research contexts.  Application and Interview.

Further Information

Grade: 7

Duration: Fixed Term for 30 months.

Line manager:  Project Lead and Co-Lead

Direct reports:  N/A

For informal enquiries about this job contact
Dr Elena Marensi, Lecturer in Fluid Mechanics (Project Lead) on e.marensi@sheffield.ac.uk, or

Prof Pierre Ricco, Professor in Fluid Mechanics (Project Collaborator) on p.ricco@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

The selection process will consist of a candidate’s presentation on their background and research experience and an interview. A small tour of the campus will also be given, where possible. Full details of this will be provided to shortlisted candidates. We plan to let all applicants know if they have progressed to the selection stage in the week after the application closing date.   Contact  mac-recruiters@sheffield.ac.uk if you require any reasonable adjustments.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
 

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes, integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.