Job Description

Job Title:

Research Associate in Theoretical and Numerical Fluid Mechanics

Posting Start Date:

17/06/2025

Job Id:

1196

School/Department:

Mechanical, Aerospace & Civil Engineering

Work Arrangement:

Full Time (Hybrid)

Contract Type:

Fixed-term

Salary per annum ():

38,249.00 - 46,735.00

Closing Date:

25/07/2025
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.



We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

Overview

We are seeking a committed and motivated Research Associate to join the EPSRC-funded project "Towards data-driven turbulence control: saving energy in pipelines by suppressing turbulence". This exciting opportunity involves leading the development of advanced data-driven mathematical and computational models to suppress turbulence in pipe flows, contributing to pressing engineering efforts toward greener transportation and energy.



Building on recent advances, the successful candidate will use a powerful combination of dynamical systems theory, optimisation, DNS and machine learning to model and optimise forced relaminarisation in pipe flow, aiming to uncover the underlying physical mechanisms and design effective turbulence control strategies.



You will deliver this project in close collaboration with the Principal Investigator, Dr Elena Marensi, and her team, supported by synergies with experimentalists, interdisciplinary collaborations with machine-learning experts, and partnerships with industry stakeholders in the pipe manufacturing sector.



As part of the School's renowned Thermofluids Research Group, you will work within one of the world's leading hubs for fluid mechanics research. You will also benefit from interactions with the interdisciplinary Sheffield Fluid Mechanics Group. The role includes research visits to collaborators in Edinburgh and Vienna, engagement with industry partners, and several opportunities for personal and professional development, including tailored training, international conferences, student supervision, and support for career development.

Main duties and responsibilities

Investigate and model forced relaminarisation in pipe flow using dynamical systems theory, high-fidelity simulations, and data-driven/machine-learning techniques. Design and assess turbulence control strategies for practical applications, using optimisation and feedback control methods. Collaborate and co-supervise a PhD student investigating relaminarisation under different forcing scenarios Work closely with experimental and industry partners to test solutions and incorporate industry insights into the design toward practical applications. Engage with industry stakeholders in the UK water sector to communicate project outcomes and maximize impact. Publish project outcomes in high-quality journals. Present research findings at national and international conferences and workshops. Ensure the availability of codes and data developed throughout the project, adhering to the University's Open Research policy and FAIR principles Report results and progress in regular project's meetings. Provide mentorship and help supervise junior researchers and PhD students as appropriate. Contribute to the development of research proposals to secure fundings to further develop the group research programmes. Actively participate in the general collaborative working of a team for example, to present to the group, help organise seminars, coordinate research visits etc... Uphold ethical and sustainable research practices in alignment with the University's sustainability strategy. Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

A good honours degree in engineering/mathematics /physics or a closely related discipline.


Essential


Application


A PhD (or nearing completion) in Fluid Mechanics or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.


Essential


Application


Strong background in mathematical modelling and/or control of shear-flow turbulence, flow instabilities and dynamical systems theory.


Essential


Application & Interview


Significant experience in high-fidelity simulations of turbulent flows, high-performance computational methods and programming.


Essential


Application & Interview


Unique self-motivation and passion for research in fluid mechanics.


Essential


Application & Interview


A proven track record of publishing high-quality scientific papers.


Essential


Application & Interview


Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including technical report and paper writing and delivering presentations.


Essential


Application & Interview


Ability to work independently, demonstrating initiative, creativity in problem-solving, and effective decision-making.


Essential


Application & Interview


Ability to work within a University research group and in collaboration with external partners.


Essential


Application & Interview


Tenacity in solving challenging research problems and adaptability in applying skills to new and evolving research contexts.


Essential


Application & Interview


Experience in machine learning, data-driven modelling & control, and/or optimisation methods


Desirable


Application & Interview


Experience in developing and maintaining professional networks, working closely with experimentalists and/or industry partners


Desirable


Application & Interview

Further Information

Grade

7

Salary

38,249 - 46,735

Work arrangement

Full-time

Duration

36 months

Line manager

Project Lead

Direct reports

Project Lead

Our website

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mac


Dr Elena Marensi, Lecturer in Fluid Mechanics (Project Lead) on

e.marensi@sheffield.ac.uk

.

Next steps in the recruitment process

The selection process will consist of a candidate's presentation on their background and research experience and an interview. A small tour of the campus will also be given, where possible. Full details of this will be provided to shortlisted candidates. We plan to let all applicants know if they have progressed to the selection stage in the week after the application closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact mac-recruiters@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().

What we offer

A minimum of 41days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more. Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles. Generous pension scheme. A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel. A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks). Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role. A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career. A range of generous family-friendly policies + paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
+ support for those going through the menopause
+ paid time off and support for fertility treatment
+ and more





We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Closing Date : 25/07/2025





We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.