Postdoctoral Research Associate- FAST RG: Experimental Thermal Hydraulics​/Thermal-Fluids

The Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering in the College of Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University invites applications for the Postdoctoral Research Associate – FAST RG:
Experimental Thermal Hydraulics/Thermal‑Fluids position.

Since its inception in 1996, the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering has brought innovative, real‑world engineering education to Central Virginia. Comprised of five departments plus the Dean’s office, the College of Engineering enrolls more than 2,000 undergraduate and 450 graduate students in several degree programs supported by more than 650 full‑time, part‑time, and student employees.

The FAST research group in the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate. In general, the associate will conduct CFD and system‑level modeling of advanced nuclear and fusion energy systems and support experimental testing in scaled surrogate‑fluid facilities for both thermal performance and detailed velocimetry (flow visualization) data.

Initially, research projects will involve supporting a center‑funded project focused on molten salt flow loop experimental testing using surrogate fluids and computational modeling. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and experimental fluid dynamics, as well as experience with in‑house built flow loops, DAQ units, electrical circuit wiring, and post‑processing software such as Python, MATLAB, or C++.

• Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field such as Physics.
• Academic background in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and/or (chemical) transport phenomena.
• At least three combined years of experimental testing in thermal hydraulics/thermal‑fluids during the Ph.D. involving flow loops, including work with thermocouples, pressure transducers, flow meters, and data‑acquisition equipment (electrical wiring/circuits).
• Ability to mentor junior team members (graduate and undergraduate students) and ensure the highest levels of laboratory safety.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal (one‑on‑one, group, and presentations) and written (email, journal/conference papers).
• Demonstrated ability to work in multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and short turnaround times.
• Experience fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds.

• Experience with experiments involving natural/free circulation of fluids and measurements using thermocouples, pressure sensors, and indirect flow sensing. A contributed section in a DOE report in OSTI would be considered sufficient.
• Experience doing system modeling and/or CFD modeling of heat‑transport loops or relevant systems. A contributed section in a DOE report in OSTI would be considered sufficient.
• Experience mentoring students (undergraduate and graduate) and project management to generate deliverables for sponsor deadlines.
• Previous experience with the CFD code nek
  5000/nekRS as applied to an LWR and/or advanced reactor (HTGR, SFR, MSR, other), including setting up cases, running, troubleshooting, and data analysis resulting in conference/journal publications. A contributed section in a DOE report in OSTI would be considered sufficient.

Additional information about the department’s programs and faculty may be found at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Unit: College of Engineering

Department: Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering

Salary Range: $55,000 – $65,000 per year

All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment sult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

ORP Eligible: Yes

Contact Name: Emily Perrault

Contact Email: perraultek