Postdoctoral researcher in topology optimisation for conformal cooling channels

The Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering invites applications for a 12-month position as postdoctoral researcher scholarship in development of topology optimisation methods for design of conformal cooling channels. The position is expected to start from the 1st of June 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The application deadline is the 1st of March 2024.

What we offer

The postdoctoral position is part of an ongoing collaborative research project between the Multiphysics Simulation and Optimisation (MSO) research group at SDU and le Centre Technique Industriel de la Plasturgie et des Composites (CT-IPC) in France. The research project focuses on developing topology optimisation methods for design of conformal cooling channels for plastic injection moulds. During forming processes such as injection moulding, the cooling stage is of primary interest. It plays a crucial role in the productivity of the process and the quality of the manufactured products. During previous projects, CT-IPC has developed significant experience in the design and optimisation of the cooling system in a mould. The collaborative research project focuses on combining this experience with the strong expertise in fluid-thermal topology optimisation of the MSO research group at SDU.

You will be supervised by Associate Professor Joe Alexandersen from SDU and Computational Science and Engineering Manager Alban Agazzi from CT-IPC. During the 12-month project, multiple visits to CT-IPC in France are to be expected.

You will focus on developing a dedicated software based on open-source codes and implement an extension of the current SDU-IPC topology optimisation methodology to three-dimensional problems. You will further test the methodology on real cases. The research may also explore methods for taking turbulence into account during the optimisation process through full or simplified models. You will collaborate with other members of the MSO research group working on similar topics.

Research environment
You will join the Multiphysics Simulation and Optimisation (MSO) research group lead by Assc. Prof. Joe Alexandersen at SDU Mechanical Engineering (SDU-ME) in Odense. The research of the MSO group is focused on development of advanced simulation and optimisation methods for multiphysics, fluid flow and conjugate heat transfer problems, but also covers thermomechanical process simulations such as casting and welding. The research activities at SDU-ME spans widely from fluid mechanics, condition monitoring, machine learning, fatigue, maritime structures, to multiphysics simulation and optimisation. SDU-ME is part of the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (SDU-IME), which is a multidisciplinary department covering high-frequency electronics, super-capacitors, additive manufacturing, and energy technologies, in addition to the aforementioned. The department is an exciting environment, where you will be exposed to many different fields and have your general academic curiosity stimulated.

You will collaborate with le Centre Technique Industriel de la Plasturgie et des Composites (CT-IPC) in France. CT-IPC is an industrial research centre focusing on plastics, composite materials, and their manufacturing processes. You will be co-supervised by Alban Agazzi, who is the manager of the business unit dedicated to numerical simulations and Ronan Le Goff who is in charge of collaboratives projects in relation with smart manufacturing. The team has worked with thermal optimisation for more than 15 years and have developed their own methodology.

What we expect
The position is full-time and in-person only, where you are expected to work primarily on-campus in Odense. Foreign candidates are expected to relocate to Denmark for the duration of the employment. Multiple visits to CT-IPC in France are to be expected during the position. You will be expected to contribute to the co-supervision of students at SDU.

Prior to the application date of 1st of March 2024, you must have successfully defended a PhD thesis in a relevant discipline (computational mechanics, mechanical/aerospace engineering, simulation technology, applied mathematics, etc.). If you have not received your final diploma by the application date, please include an official letter from your university/supervisor that you have successfully defended your PhD thesis and will officially graduate as soon as possible.

It is strictly required that you have experience with:

• Scientific programming, preferably in python and/or C++
• Derivation and implementation of numerical methods in code (FEM or FVM)
• Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and/or multiphysics simulations

It is a clear benefit that you have experience with:

• Topology optimisation of fluid and/or heat transfer
• Using and modifying open-source simulation tools (e.g. FreeFEM, OpenFOAM, FEniCS)
• Iterative linear solvers and preconditioners

The working language of the MSO group is English and all communication with CT-IPC will happen in English, so you will be expected to have a documented working level of written and spoken English.

Contact information
For information about SDU Mechanical Engineering, please see https://www.sdu.dk/en/forskning/sdumechanicalengineering. For information about the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, which encompasses SDU Mechanical Engineering, please see https://www.sdu.dk/en/om_sdu/institutter_centre/ime-mekanik-elektronik. For information about CT-IPC, please see https://ct-ipc.com/en/.

Further information about this position is available from Associate Professor Joe Alexandersen, phone: +45 9350 7244, email: [email protected]

If you experience technical problems, you must contact [email protected].

Conditions of employment
Employment is a 12-month temporary position as postdoctoral researcher. The employment will cease without further notice at the end of the period. However, given further project funding, there may be a possibility for contract extension depending on the candidate’s performance.

Research will be predominant in the position. Some supervision of Master thesis students might occur.

The assessment process
Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the faculty. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. An interview may be part of the process with selected candidates. Once the recruitment process is completed, a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.

Shortlisting may be applied.

Application procedure
The Faculty expects applicants to read the SDU information on How to apply before applying.
The application must be in English and must include the following:

• Motivation letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max. 1 page).
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae, describing research, publication and teaching experience, computational skills and including personal contact information.
• Verified copy of the official Master's diploma and transcripts of exams, both the original documents and in professional English translation.
• Verified copy of the official PhD degree diploma, both the original documents and in professional English translation – OR – statement from main supervisor and/or university that you have successfully defended your PhD thesis
• List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications, in case you have any publications. Please attach one pdf-file for each publication.
• Two or more names and emails of researchers, who can provide an informed reference letter at short notice/References, if any.

Reference letter
You should state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.

Formalities

Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.

The application and CV must not exceed 10 MB.

The University of Southern Denmark wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.

Kilde: Jobnet.dk