Postdoctoral position in Energy Sciences with a focus on heat transfer modeling over surface roughness

Description of the workplace

The position is located at the Division of Heat Transfer at the Department of Energy Sciences. At the division, we conduct research and education on energy production, conversion, and utilization in different electro- and thermo-mechanical systems where the study of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, reactive flows, as well as solid mechanics plays a central role. In particular, improved understanding of turbulent, reactive, and multiphase flows together with material sciences and novel manufacturing techniques is the key to improved heat transfer mechanisms and more efficient use of energy. Approximately 25 colleagues work in the division, including 15 PhD students. On the international level we collaborate with universities and institutes in Europe, Asia, and North America. More information about the Division of Heat Transfer can be found here.

Subject and project description

Additive Manufacturing (AM) enables unprecedented design freedom for next-generation thermal management systems, particularly through the fabrication of mini- and micro-channels with complex internal geometries. However, AM-generated surfaces exhibit significant and highly irregular roughness, a key factor that strongly modifies turbulence, pressure drop, and heat transfer. Unlike conventional machined roughness, AM roughness is characterized by randomness, porosity, and powder adhesion, producing flow behaviors that existing correlations and turbulence models fail to predict. Understanding and modeling these effects is crucial for industrial applications such as gas-turbine internal cooling, compact heat exchangers, polymer and metal AM components, and advanced aerospace thermal. 

This postdoctoral project focuses on developing high-fidelity heat-transfer and fluid-flow models for AM-induced surface roughness, combining DNS/LES, reduced-order models, new correlations, and improved RANS wall models calibrated using large-scale high-fidelity datasets. The work builds on significant preliminary results from our group, including DNS/LES studies of AM roughness showing enhanced turbulence and heat-transfer augmentation. This project is conducted at Lund University (LTH) in close collaboration with several industrial and academic partners. The candidate will work with high-performance computing resources (NAISS) and advanced CFD tools, primarily OpenFOAM, with the possibility to use Nek5000 or LBM frameworks as appropriate for specific tasks.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development. 

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• Conduct high-fidelity flow and heat-transfer simulations (DNS, LES) over AM-induced rough surfaces.
• Develop new heat-transfer and pressure-drop correlations based on roughness metrics (height, skewness, kurtosis, frontal solidity) and high-fidelity data.
• Build and validate improved RANS roughness wall models using DNS/LES databases produced within the project
• Analyze and publish results in well-established scientific journals within the subject area.
• Interact with the team for the development of innovative research within the subject area.
• Collaborate in seeking external research funding.
• Participate in teaching, including supervision degree projects and doctoral students.

Qualification requirements 

Appointment to a postdoctoral position requires:

• A PhD (or equivalent) in fluid mechanics, mechanical engineering, applied physics, heat transfer, computational engineering, or a closely related field.
• The doctoral degree must be completed before the employment decision is made.
• Priority is given to candidates who completed their PhD within the last three years; exceptions may apply for special circumstances.
• Prior teaching experience is strongly preferred.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Documented experience in CFD and numerical modeling, preferably with OpenFOAM, Nek5000, or LBM.
• Strong programming skills (C++, Python, or similar).
• Ability to work independently and manage complex technical tasks.
• Creative and solution-oriented mindset; ability to bring new ideas to scientific problems.
• Strong collaborative skills; ability to interact constructively with colleagues and industry partners.

Assessment criteria 

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Experience in CFD and numerical modeling, preferably with OpenFOAM or Nek5000.
• Teaching skills. 

Other qualifications:

• Experience with high-fidelity simulations (DNS, LES).
• Experience with heat-transfer modeling, especially in complex-geometry flows.
• Experience with RANS model development or wall-modeling strategies.
• Experience with conjugate heat transfer simulations.

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. It is advisable to enter information on what your unit specifically can offer as a workplace.

Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”).

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)

Welcome to apply!