Research Associate/Research Software Engineer in Computational Fluid Dynamics

Research Associate (Software Engineer) in Computational Fluid Dynamics

The Department of Computing and Mathematics is a large and successful unit in MMU’s Faculty of Science and Engineering. It is committed to achieving high quality teaching, research and enterprise. The Department has a long track record of securing grants from research councils, EU and government backed bodies like Innovate UK, and had made significant contribution to the University’s REF2021 submission.

The Centre for Mathematical Modelling and Flow Analysis (CMMFA) within the Department of Computing and Mathematics has a long history of developing advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques for applications in both aerospace and coastal/ocean engineering. Our recent and on-going projects, mainly funded by the EPSRC and supported by industrial collaborators, are primarily concerned with the following applications:

• Evaluation of marine renewable technology (wave and offshore wind) through development of computational fluid dynamics methods and tools;
• Prediction of wave impact loads on coastal and marine structures (coastal defences, marine vessels, oil/gas platforms, etc.).

The CMMFA research group has a well-equipped computer lab with dedicated high spec desktop workstations and CPU/GPU clusters.

Role: 

A Research Associate/Research Software Engineer  is required to undertake code development within the OpenFOAM software package to optimise the performance of its overset mesh solver for complex and large-scale wave structure interaction simulations.   More specifically, you will be responsible for implementing a new hole cutting and searching algorithm for the overset solver to improve its solution accuracy and parallel efficiency.   In the project, you will have the opportunity to perform code development and testing on ARCHER2, the UK’s most advanced high performance computing facility.  

Ideal Candidate:

You will have a PhD (or very close to completion) or an MSc by Research with the equivalent research/computer code development experience in Engineering/Applied Mathematics/Computing or a closely related area.  Experience in code development and application of OpenFOAM for engineering flow problems will be essential. You should have the ability to write computer programmes in a high level language, e.g. C++  and the experience of using high performance computing.  Knowledge and understanding of the physics of fluids and related numerical methods for modelling wave structure interactions including the overset meshing technique are highly desirable.

To arrange an informal discussion, please email Prof Ling Qian at [email protected] .

To apply:

Please submit a CV and covering letter outlining, in particular, how your profile, experience and ambition make you the ideal candidate for the role.

Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to supporting the rights, responsibilities, dignity, health and wellbeing of staff and students through our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

We promote applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of background, belief or identity, recognising the benefits that a diverse organisation can bring and particularly encourage applications from groups which are underrepresented in the University workforce.

In recognition of staff contributions to the University’s achievements during the 2021/2022 academic year, an additional discretionary payment of 2% per annum will be added to your salary until 31/07/23 in order to ensure consistency amongst existing and incoming staff.  This additional 2% will be paid pro rata in equal monthly installments, on top of your salary each month until 31/07/23.