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

Position Responsibilities

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

Initially, the research projects for this position 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. Current experiments involve the creation of custom in‑house built flow loops that use commercial DAQ units. The DAQ units generally require some understanding of electrical circuit wiring including voltage and current outputs from temperature, pressure, and flow‑rate devices. Experience with post‑processing software and methods such as Python, MATLAB or C++ is needed.

For experiments, experience in developing, running, and interpreting results from one or more studies is preferred. Experience working with computational modelers for validation or combined experimental/computational studies is preferred.

In this position, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work and collaborate with a vast network of scientists and engineers at VCU, nationally (universities, national laboratories, federal agencies), and internationally.

• 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 Ph.D. involving flow loops, working with thermocouples, pressure transducers, flow meters, and setting up data acquisition equipment (electrical wiring/circuits)
• Ability to mentor junior team members (graduate and undergraduate students) and ensure the highest levels of laboratory safety, including laboratory hygiene and any findings
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal (one‑on‑one, group, presentations) and non‑verbal (email, journal/conference papers)
• Demonstrated ability to work in multi‑disciplinary teams
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and short turnaround times
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds, or a commitment to do so as a postdoc at VCU

• Experience working with experiments involving natural/free circulation of fluids and measurements involving 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 working experience with the CFD code (nek
  5000/nekRS) as applied to an LWR and/or advanced reactor (HTGR, SFR, MSR, other), with specific experience setting up cases (input decks, post‑processing), running, troubleshooting, and data analysis resulting in one or more conference/journal publications. A contributed section in a DOE report in OSTI would be considered sufficient.

Unit:
College Of Engineering

Department:
Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering

Salary Range: $55,000 - $65,000 / year

Benefits:
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