Research Assistant / Associate in Fluid Dynamics and in co-ordinating the hub for the NFFDy (Part Time, Fixed Term)

A position exists for a Research Assistant/Associate in the Department of Engineering to support and maintain the University's national and international reputation for excellence in research and research leadership. The post holder will be located in Central Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.

The research role is to perform research in data assimilation in fluid dynamics, specifically to assimilate steady and periodic Flow-MRI data into physics-based models modelling momentum transfer through (i) a uniform Newtonian viscosity and (ii) a turbulent RANS equation. Periodicity will be ensured with the harmonic balance equations. The research leadership role is to help the PI coordinate the activities of the Hub for the National Fellowships in Fluid Dynamics (NFFDy Hub) and the UK Fluids Network (UKFN).

The role requires the appointee to (i) plan, design, and manage research activities for assimilation of Flow-MRI data into CFD using the group's data assimilation code; (ii) work with group members to develop and apply the harmonic balance method and to develop and apply the RANS equations into the framework of the existing numerical code; (iii) test the developed code with synthetic data; (iv) apply the existing code to new and existing Flow-MRI data, processing Flow-MRI data from collaborators into a locally-readable format; (v) analyse and interpret the results; (vi) write up this research for presentation and publication; (vii) manage own research and administrative activities, with guidance if required; (vii) communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature to a wide audience; (viii) organise fortnightly Zoom catch-up meetings with NFFDy fellows; (ix) edit and circulate the fortnightly UKFN newsletter; (x) monitor and manage the UKFN email account info@fluids.ac.uk;
(xi) manage competitions and prizes for the UK Fluids Network and UK Fluids Conference; (xii) coordinate the NFFDy Hub ResearchFish submission.

The post holder must have obtained or be close to obtaining a PhD in Fluid Dynamics or a related subject. The skills, qualifications and experience required to perform the role are being well-organised and methodical, having an attention to detail, being able to work unsupervised, being comfortable emailing a diverse range of academics, and project management. Familiarity with Excel and Word is required.

This is a part-time (60% FTE) role.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD (or equivalent experience). Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.