VACANCY: Post Doctoral Researcher in Mathematical Modelling of Transport Processes

 The Bernal Project at the University of Limerick (UL) is a €52 million strategic investment particularly focused on the development of Pharmaceutical Science and Engineering within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Key to this strategy is the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) funded Synthesis and Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre (SSPC).  The Mathematics Applications Consortium for Science and Industry (MACSI) is a network of mathematical and statistical modellers based in Ireland. MACSI works closely with scientists and industrial companies across a wide variety of sectors including the Pharmaceutical sector. MACSI’s aim is to foster new collaborative research, in particular on problems that arise in industry through the application of cutting-edge mathematical and modelling techniques.

The role of this Postdoctoral Researcher position is to contribute the work programme of a new SFI and industry funded SSPC Spoke project, “Modelling of Multi-Phase Transport Processes to Enable Automation in Manufacturing” (MOMEnTUM).

DESCRIPTION:

A Post Doctoral Researcher in the area of mathematical modelling for transport processes is required for a specific purpose contract, which is initially funded for one year with a possibility of extension up to three years. The industrial partner is the biggest Alumina Refinery in Europe. The research programme will include developing models for the flow of slurry. As part of the Bayer process, crushed bauxite is mixed with spent caustic soda to form a pump-able slurry. Alumina is extracted from the slurry at a later stage.

 Essential Criteria

• A doctoral degree (level 10 NFQ) completed, or near completion in mathematical modelling or related discipline with significant modelling and computational content.
• Highly proficient in the use of at least one high-level computing language (e.g. MATLAB, Python etc.).
• Well-developed ability to communicate technical concepts to non-experts.
• Ability to liaise and collaborate with other researchers in the University and Industrial clients.

 Desirable Criteria

• Experience in model development for flow in non-newtonian slurries.
• Experience in some of the following areas; discrete element methods, multiphase lattice. Boltzmann methods or asymptotic analysis.
• Experience of CFD analysis, specifically using ANSYS software.
• Previous industrial experience.

Informal enquiries regarding the post may be directed to: Prof Stephen O’Brien Department of Mathematics & Statistics University of Limerick Email: stephen.obrien@ul.ie
Applications via:	http://www.ul.ie/hrvacancies/