Are you fascinated by physics and interested in developing state-of-the-art fluid dynamics computer simulations to better understand real world problems? Are you ambitious and dynamic? Do you strive for excellence? We are looking for a PhD student to carry out state-of-the-art research on turbulent convection. Thermal convection plays a crucial role in natural and industrial settings, from astrophysical and geophysical flows to process engineering. The paradigmatic representation of thermal convection is Rayleigh–Bénard flow; a layer of fluid heated from below and cooled from above. According to the traditional view on turbulence advocated by Kolmogorov, the flow characteristics in very turbulent flows should become independent of the system geometry for high enough Rayleigh (dimensionless temperature difference between the plates). However, interestingly, we observe large-scale horizontal flow organization in, for example, satellite pictures of clouds in the Earth’s atmosphere and convection patterns in the Sun. In contrast to predictions by classic theories, we recently found that these large-scale flow structures, referred to as superstructures, survive at high Rayleigh. In this PhD project, funded by an ERC starting grant, you will further develop and use state-of-the-art direct numerical simulations to investigate these thermal superstructures in detail. Your goal is to figure out whether thermal superstructures, which create a very strong turbulence, can trigger the onset to the so-called ultimate regime at relatively low Rayleigh by making the boundary layers fully turbulent. Additional mechanics such as additional wind shear can also be considered.

Location

You will work in the Physics of Fluids group at the University of Twente (UT) in the Netherlands. The research in our group covers a variety of aspects in fluid mechanics. Our group focuses on understanding fundamental fluid physics phenomena using experiments, simulations, and theory. Our group is embedded in the Twente Max Planck Center, the J.M. Burgers Research Center for fluid mechanics, and the MESA+ and MIRA Institutes. Our group has access to several top supercomputers in Europe and the US. For further information, you are encouraged to view http://pof.tnw.utwente.nl  and http://stilton.tnw.utwente.nl/people/stevensrto read our recent publications on the topic.

You have a background in applied physics or mechanical engineering, or in a closely related discipline. You have strong communication skills, including fluency in written and spoken English. You are enthusiastic, and highly motivated to do a PhD. Programming experience in C or Fortran is a plus.

We want you to play a key role in an ambitious project in an inspiring and stimulating international work environment.

• We provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating, modern research environment with world-class research facilities.
• You will have an employment contract for the duration of 4 years and can participate in all employee benefits the UT offers.
• The gross monthly salary starts with € 2.325,- in the first year and increases to € 2.972,- in the fourth year of your employment.
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• A solid pension scheme.
• You will be embedded in a dynamic research group with colleagues working on similar topics.
• Additionally, the UT is a green campus with excellent facilities and resources for professional and personal development.
• You will follow a high-quality personalized educational program.
• The research will result in a PhD thesis at the end of the employment period.
• We strive for diversity and fairness in hiring. 

INFORMATION AND APPLICATION

Potential applicants are encouraged to apply to Dr. Richard Stevens (r.j.a.m.stevens@utwente.nl).

Applications should include the following documents

• A motivation letter describing why you want to apply for this position.
• Description of your research interests.
• A detailed CV.
• Academic transcripts from your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
• Email addresses of at least two references who are willing to send a letter of recommendation on your behalf.
• An interview with a scientific presentation will be part of the interview process.

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university of the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. We have a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out groundbreaking research.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.

Within the TNW Faculty (Faculty of Science & Technology) of the University of Twente some 700 staff members and 2000 students are involved in training and research on the interface of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. Research, which enjoys a high profile both at home and internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centra and Digital Society Institute. The faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders.