Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Fluid Mechanics of Decontamination (Fixed Term)

We are seeking a postdoc with experience in both theoretical and experimental work involving the fluid mechanics of absorbent media to join our research team modelling the decontamination of absorbent material. The successful candidate will be based in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. The overarching project aims to provide mathematical models of decontamination processes and is funded by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). The approach to mathematical modelling is multifaceted, with experiments playing an important role not only in motivating and inspiring the mathematical approaches, but also in providing the data sets against which the models can be validated.

The principal focus of this position within the team relates to the work on absorbent media. The successful candidate will have or be about to receive a PhD in mathematics, engineering or a closely related area, and have experience in theoretical fluid mechanics and in conducting laboratory experiments. Familiarity with absorption and swelling processes is highly desirable.

Duties include: developing theory, running and analysing experiments, numerical simulation, developing and conducting individual and collaborative research objectives, and liaising with project sponsors. The role holder will be expected to plan and manage their own research and administration, with guidance if required. They must be able to communicate material of a technical nature and be able to build internal and external contacts. They may also be asked to assist in the supervision of student projects, the development of student research skills, provide instruction or plan/deliver seminars relating to the research area.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 18 months (to 31 October 2023) in the first instance.

Informal inquiries can be made by contacting Prof. Stuart Dalziel (s.dalziel@damtp.cam.ac.uk).

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact LE30575@maths.cam.ac.uk.

Please indicate the contact details of two academic referees on the online application form and upload a full curriculum vitae and a description of your recent research (not to exceed three pages). Please ensure that at least one of your referees is contactable at any time during the selection process. Your referees should be aware that they will be contacted by the Mathematics HR Office Administrator to request that they upload a reference for you to our Web Recruitment System, and that their prompt response will help the process.

Interviews are to be held in person or via Zoom soon after the 11 April closing date with a view to starting on or soon after 1 May 2022.

Please quote reference LE30575 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our Department.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.