Research Fellow in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (Fixed Term)

Fixed term (3 year post with the potential to extend)

Applications are invited for the position of Research Fellow in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics within the project MAGNADO - The Magnetohydrodynamics of Liquid Metal Tornadoes (selected for funding by the European Research Council (ERC) and funded through the UKRI Frontier Research Guarantee) at the Research Centre for Fluid and Complex Systems (FCS) at Coventry University. The successful applicant will work under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, Associate Professor Dr Susanne Horn.

The objective of the research is to investigate experimentally and numerically the effects of an external magnetic field on rotating thermal convection to find the optimal conditions for generating tornado-like vortices under laboratory conditions. The aim will be to gain a better understanding of the dynamo process, i.e. how planets, including our Earth, generate and sustain their own magnetic field.

The successful candidate will carry out measurement campaigns using thermal measurements, PIV and UDV at two world-unique experimental facilities: the “Little Earth Experiment” operated at Coventry University and at the High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Grenoble (Part of the French CNRS) and the “RoMag” device at the SpinLab in UCLA (USA). This involves an approximately 6-month stay in Los Angeles, USA, and an approximately 1-month stay in Grenoble, France.

The laboratory investigations will be complemented by numerical simulations using our in-house finite volume code “goldfish” to predict the optimal parameters for the experiments and to further allow for a one-to-one comparison.

The successful candidate should have an advanced knowledge of fluid dynamics, ideally related to geophysics, thermal convection and/or turbulence. Previous experience and good expertise with laboratory experiments is essential and required to carry out the thermal convection experiments in liquid gallium and sulfuric acid. The numerical component involves conducting massively parallel simulations, thus, programming experience and familiarity with HPC facilities are desirable but not necessary (hardly any programming is forseen within the project).

The successful candidate should hold a PhD or equivalent in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Fluid Dynamics, Geophysics, Engineering, or related subject with a proven track record of producing scientific output at the highest level, as evidenced by high-quality journal publications.

The Research Fellow will work within the vibrant environment of the Fluid Dynamics group, part of the Research Centre for Fluid and Complex Systems at Coventry University,   https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/areas-of-research/centre-for-fluid-and-complex-systems. The group conducts both fundamental and applied research in the fields of convection, magnetohydrodynamics, turbulence and geophysical fluid dynamics as well as other areas of fluid mechanics. In the REF2021, 95% of the group's output, as part of the mathematics submission, was deemed “internationally excellent” or “world-leading”. The post holder’s academic development will be supported through Coventry University’s Early Career Researcher support programmes, alongside other researcher development activities.

This position is full time on a fixed term basis for 3 years with the possibility to extend by 1 year. To apply please include your CV with a full publication list. Informal inquiries are encouraged; please contact Dr Susanne Horn directly – susanne.horn@coventry.ac.uk.

To view person specification and job description please click here

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