Professors W. A. Sirignano and A. Sideris in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineeringat the University of California, Irvine seek a Research Specialist for a new Air Force-sponsored program on combustion instability in liquid propellant rocket motors. The successful candidate will contribute to an analysis of various stochastic combustion processes that can initiate large-amplitude resonant oscillations in the rocket combustion chamber and nozzle.
The successful candidate is expected to have a Ph. D. degree from a leading research university in mechanical or aerospace engineering, physics, statistics, or applied mathematics; demonstrated experiences in stochastic processes and nonlinear partial differential equations; and understanding of advanced computational methods. The candidate should also have excellent communication and time management skills, an ability to learn quickly, and enthusiasm for new challenges. Experience in machine learning, complex systems, fluid mechanics, acoustics, and/ or combustion will be helpful but not necessary if there is willingness for learning the required limited aspects of these subjects.
Specific responsibilities will include formulation and computation of certain “model” partial differential equations with stochastic forcing functions and/ or boundary conditions and interaction with partnering teams who will use large eddy simulations and reduced basis modeling to address more detailed and extensive formulations of the same phenomenon. The interaction is intended to use experience from the model equations to refine the use of stochastic processes in the more detailed work. Additional responsibilities will include data analysis, collaboration with other researchers at UCI and at sub-contracted partner institutions, preparing publications and delivering presentations for top journals and conferences, preparing reports to the funding agencies, and periodic mentoring of graduate students.
The position will remain open until filled. An immediate start date is available within a few weeks of the hiring decision. The candidate should be available for a start date during the June 1 - July 31, 2012 period and willing to commit to a two-year stay. Renewal of the appointment can be offered to well performing candidates contingent upon the availability of adequate funding. The salary and benefits will be competitive for a postdoctoral researcher position in a university.Applicants should email a resume and names and contact information of at least three references to sirignan@uci.edu. Please indicate "Specialist Appointment - Rocket" in the email subject. The applicants are encouraged to visit http://mae.eng.uci.edu//.
W. A. Sirignano, P.I., and A. Sideris, Co-P.I.
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
University of California, Irvine
The University of California, Irvine is an equal opportunity
employer committed to excellence through diversity.
