Position: Junior researcher in computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
Offer date: 1st July 2024
Project: CIIAE – REF. IJ-CFD (HIDRÓGENO Y POWER-TO-X)
Department: Hydrogen and Power-to-X
Estimated starting date: 4th quarter 2024

Workplace: University of Extremadura. Cáceres campus

Tasks to be developed:

Topic: Rigorous multi-scale CFD modelling platforms will play a key role in 
developing
and scaling up innovative energy storage, power-to-X and hydrogen conversion
systems in the future. Computational modelling of how transport phenomena,
material properties and electrochemistry interplay offers invaluable insight 
into the
design, potential and limitations of new technology. CFD modelling allow us to 
explore
the design space, create digital twins and find the most promising systems and
process units to be studied experimentally; it allows us to optimise their 
operation,
and to answer the question on how to bring small-scale units into full-scale
application. The successful candidate is expected to carry out the following 
tasks:
- Develop, create, and analyse CFD simulations of various types of energy 
storage,
Power-to-X and hydrogen technologies.
- Foster collaborations with experimental researchers from CIIAE and beyond.
- Provide recommendations to decision makers based on modelling results.
- Successfully collaborate with universities, research institutes and companies 
at
national and international level.
- Write publications as first author and co-author (e.g., 1.5 paper p.a. in 
highranked
journals).
- Write research proposals and contribute towards the acquisition of competitive
funding, both private and/or public.
- Undertake project management and project administration responsibilities
(internal and external) within the department, and within the CIIAE.
- Become gradually more independent, in order to conduct, manage and lead an
independent project.

Challenge: The multi-scale nature of the processes powering the energy 
transition
is a demanding scientific challenge in CFD. The fundamental physics at play 
often cut
across a wide range of scales, from the microscale properties that underpin 
reactivity
and the development of advanced materials, to the mesoscopic phenomena e.g.
bubbling, clustering, driving transport phenomena and flow optimization, to the
management of macroscopic limitations to the transport of mass and heat inside 
fullscale
units i.e. a reactor, a fuel cell. A CFD methodology that is all, rigorous, 
validated and tailored, is key to reliably predict the performance and the 
durability of the next
generation of energy storage, Power-to-X and hydrogen conversion systems.

Duration of the contract and salary:
Temporary Contract Initial duration: September 2025 with the possibility of 
extension
Annual Gross Base Salary: 36.775,48 €

Academic background required:
A PhD in engineering e.g., chemical, energy and industrial, physics, chemistry,
mathematics or related discipline, with a focus in computational fluid dynamics.

Other education: 
Those candidates who are finishing their doctorate with an agreed thesis defence 
date
may also be eligible. In this case, a soft copy of the thesis document must be 
included in
the application
NOTE: at the time of the formalization of the contract, a document stating the
successful thesis defence will be required.

Professional experience:  N/A

Job requirements (have to be fulfilled):

-	Specific techniques (analytical, software, calculations, prototyping, 
etc.)
o	Excellent knowledge and deep understanding of physics and chemistry 
applied to energy storage, hydrogen and Power-to-X e.g., fluid dynamics, 
electrochemistry, combustion, heat transfer.
o	Excellent skills / experience in CFD software (i.e. ANSYS and/or 
OpenFOAM or other opensource CFD tools).
o	Excellent programming skills, e.g. C++, Python, Fortran.
o	Statistical skills e.g. statistical tests and regression.
o	Excellent analytical skills.
-	Participation and/or collaboration in R&D&I/business projects
o	Proven participation on at least 1 R&D projects
-	Languages:  Excellent oral and written skills in English
-	Cross-cutting competences
o	Commitment to open science in terms of research methods, data, and 
publications.
o	Ability to work in a diverse and flexible academic environment in a 
team-oriented, but independent way.
o	Experience on collaborating with other colleagues from the same 
department and beyond
-	Willingness to travel and stay abroad
o	The candidate is expected to travel, both nationally and 
internationally, in the context of projects and conferences
-	Publications: scientific articles (in journals indexed in Web of Science 
and/or Scopus), theses (PhD and/or Master's), presentations at conferences, 
reports, technical reports, technical guides, etc.
o	A strong track-record of publications as first author and/or co-author, 
given the candidate is expected to publish in top ournals in the field. At least 
3 publications in Scopus indexed journals. Alternatively, patents, monographs 
and/or exceptional conference publications could be considered.

To be evaluated (adds points to the final evaluation):

- Knowledge of electrochemistry, electromagnetism and superconductivity.
- Experience with statistical learning models, and machine learning.
- Experience in CAD software in the context of CFD development.
- Experience with Paraview or other engineering visualization software.
- Knowledge of Spanish and/or Portuguese.
- Experience with industrial collaborations and/or previous experience working 
on industry.
- Motivation letter (maximum 2 pages) included in the application.
- Evaluation provided by 2 references via telephone conversation. The contact 
details of the references (e-mail and telephone) are to be provided by the 
candidates in their application.
Selection process details:
Technical test: NO
Language (English): YES (will be evaluated during the interview)
Job interview: YES

Interested candidates:
Send all the necessary documentation included in THE RULES OF THE CALL and THE 
JOB OFFER, as well as THE APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION (see 
https://ciiae.org/en/empleo-en/) to ciiae.personal@fundecyt-pctex.es. Deadline: 
as soon as 
possible, indicating REF. IJ-CFD (HIDRÓGENO Y POWER-TO-X)

FUNDECYT-PCTEX (Edificio Parque Científico Tecnológico), Avda. de la 
Investigación, s/n, Edificio PCTEX, Campus de la Universidad de Extremadura – 
06006 Badajoz (España)

Email: ciiae.personal@fundecyt-pctex.es Phone number: +34 927 690 042 Ext. 107
www.fundecyt-pctex.es
www.ciiae.org