We are seeking an experimental fluid dynamicist to contribute to the National Core Study on Covid-19 transmission (https://sites.manchester.ac.uk/covid19-national-project/). This study, funded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), comprises six themes spanning multiple Universities along with HSE, Dstl (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory) and PHE (Public Health England).

This position (within Theme 2 of the Study) focuses on environmental transmission mechanisms where the influence of ventilation and the human activity on the dispersion of potentially infectious aerosols and droplets are important. The Cambridge-based work involves developing methodologies and undertaking experiments using surrogates (at lab and room scales) to provide insight into and quantification of the processes. Work elsewhere explores other aspects including data sets from field measurements of aerosols and proxies, and numerical modelling with a collective modelling effort to generate a toolkit providing bespoke assessment of airborne exposure/risk in a range of spaces under a variety of conditions.

Experience with laboratory-scale experiments and image-processing-based technique are essential. Diagnostics will include the use of artificial smoke, schlieren (sensitive to heat-induced refractive index variations), PIV, etc. Familiarity with stratified and/or convective flows is also desirable.

Duties include: running and analysing experiments, refining experimental techniques, and developing and delivering research objectives. The role holder must be able to communicate material of a technical nature and be able to build internal and external contacts, and will be expected (with guidance) to plan and manage their own research and administration. The role holder may be asked to assist in the supervision of student projects, the development of student research skills and provide instruction or plan/deliver seminars relating to research area.

The successful candidate will have or be about to receive a PhD in mathematics, engineering or a closely related area. The starting salary is dependent on qualifications and experience.

Contact Prof. Stuart Dalziel (s.dalziel@damtp.cam.ac.uk) for informal enquiries. For questions about the application process, please contact LE26910@maths.cam.ac.uk.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 year in the first instance.

Interview date As soon as possible after the closing date.

Start date: August 2021, or soon after.

To find out more information and apply online, please visit: https://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/30053/