The HSBLT Lab at the University of Notre Dame aims to establish reliable computational models for complex aerodynamic phenomena, including boundary-layer transition to turbulence at high speeds. Current research areas include:
- boundary layer receptivity to freestream disturbances
- roughness effects on transition location
- novel methods for efficient, yet reliable, base flow generation
- multimode interactions at hypersonic speeds
Postdoctoral Researcher Position Available
We are currently seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to research on hypersonic boundary-layer stability, receptivity, and transition. The job posting is live here.
The postdoctoral researcher will primarily contribute to an NSF-funded project investigating nonlinear interactions between stationary and traveling crossflow instabilities over a wide range of Mach numbers, from incompressible through hypersonic conditions. This work seeks to improve our understanding of transition mechanisms in three-dimensional boundary layers and will involve computational modeling and analysis of instability growth and nonlinear interactions.
The remainder of the position will provide flexibility to pursue complementary research directions and to help develop new computational capabilities within a growing research group. Potential topics include incorporating roughness, chemistry, and/or fluid-surface interaction effects in transition prediction tools and other projects in computational boundary-layer transition developed jointly based on the researcher’s interests and expertise.A major component of the position will be scientific software development. We are particularly interested in candidates who enjoy building robust computational tools in addition to using existing methods to answer research questions. Python is the preferred language for new development, although experience with other scientific computing languages is welcome.
What we’re looking for:
- Strong interest in boundary-layer transition, hydrodynamic stability, computational fluid dynamics, or related areas
- Motivation to take intellectual ownership of research projects and help develop new research directions
- Interest in scientific computing and development of research-quality numerical software
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with students and other researchers
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Interest in mentoring graduate and undergraduate researchers
- Enthusiasm for developing both technical expertise and broader research leadership skills
The start date is flexible. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Applicants should have, or expect to receive before beginning the position, a doctoral degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, computational science, or a closely related field. Candidates should have experience in computational fluid dynamics, numerical methods for partial differential equations, hydrodynamic stability, scientific computing, or a closely related area.
Preferred qualifications:
Candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply:
- Background in boundary-layer stability and transition, particularly in high-speed flows
- Strong experience with computational fluid dynamics, grid generation, and numerical methods
- Experience with adjoint methods, stability analysis, or related mathematical techniques
- Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., Python, C++, MATLAB)
- Ability to independently debug and develop research codes
Expertise in every area listed above is not expected. Candidates with strong foundations in numerical methods or computational fluid dynamics who are interested in developing expertise in boundary-layer stability are also encouraged to apply.