Arbetsbeskrivning

Do you want to contribute to ground breaking research in the field of heat management for aeronautical applications? This postdoctoral position focuses on methods and technologies to enable efficient, lightweight and robust thermal solutions for advanced aero-engines and aircraft architectures, including heat exchangers, cooling concepts and integrated thermal systems. You will work in an international research environment with strong academic–industrial collaboration, and your results will contribute to enabling climate-neutral aviation.  About us  At the Division of Fluid Dynamics, we develop advanced experimental and computational techniques to investigate flows in both fundamental and applied contexts. Using state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, we advance understanding of turbulent incompressible, compressible, and multiphase flows through coordinated research.  About the research project   This research project develops high-efficiency hydrogen-fueled aero-engine concepts enabled by advanced thermal management and compact heat-exchanger integration. Building on our recent work, we assess how engine-integrated intercooling and recuperation can reduce compression work, lower key component temperatures, and improve overall cycle efficiency while maintaining realistic pressure-loss and installation constraints. In particular, our latest results demonstrate that compact heat-exchanger solutions—supported by conceptual design and aerodynamic optimization of integrated ducts—can deliver substantial reductions in specific fuel consumption and significant NOx reductions at take-off compared with an uncooled baseline engine. The project further consolidates insights from our recent review efforts, translating the wider literature on hydrogen propulsion, heat-integrated cycles, and component-level constraints into practical design guidance for next-generation aircraft propulsion systems. A core theme is that performance gains must be evaluated together with heat-sink availability, transient operating envelopes, and integration feasibility, not only steady-state cycle benefits. A key enabling element is the heat-management methodology developed at Chalmers, including physics-based approaches for thermal network modelling, component heat-load assessment, and system-level integration of heat exchangers and cooling paths. These methods allow us to consistently quantify thermal margins, pressure-loss penalties, and operability trade-offs, and to identify architectures that provide efficiency and emissions benefits without introducing prohibitive thermal or aerodynamic risks. Overall, the project delivers an integrated framework—combining cycle analysis, compact heat-exchanger design, aerodynamic integration, and system thermal management—to support credible pathways toward low-emission hydrogen aviation. Who we are looking for  We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher who wants to contribute to the development of next-generation aircraft propulsion technologies with a strong focus on energy efficiency, thermal management and hydrogen-enabled concepts. The ideal candidate is curious, collaborative, and driven by scientific quality, and enjoys working in a research environment that combines fundamental understanding with system-level engineering relevance. We welcome applicants with a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related field. The candidate should have a strong track record (relative to career stage) in research, demonstrated through publications, conference participation, or other relevant scientific outputs. Experience in one or more of the following areas is considered a strong merit: • Thermal management and heat-exchanger integration (compact HX concepts, pressure-loss trade-offs, system integration) • Multidisciplinary modelling (combining cycle, component, aerothermal or thermal network models) • Numerical methods and simulation tools (e.g., Python/Matlab, Modelica, CFD/1D modelling, optimization) Beyond technical skills, we value people who contribute to a healthy and inclusive workplace. We therefore look for someone who communicates clearly, shares knowledge generously, and enjoys working in diverse teams across disciplines and backgrounds. You are expected to take an active role in planning and driving research activities, contributing to high-quality publications, and supporting the development of junior researchers when appropriate. At Chalmers, we believe excellent research is built on respect, integrity and collaboration. We encourage applications from candidates with different experiences and perspectives, and we are committed to providing a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and develop. What you will do  • Conduct reserach in developing new concepts for aero engines that allow becoming more energy efficient.   • Supervise master’s and/or PhD students to support your own research activities  • Possibility to engage in teaching at undergraduate/master’s level  Contract terms   The position is a temporary full-time employment for a 2 year post doc with a possible one year extension. The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.  What we offer  • As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about  working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees.  • A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.  • Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.   Application procedure  Read more and apply through our web portal: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=14560   *** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***