Research Assistant or Associate (m/f/d) in the field of fluid dynamics

We are a university with a focus on engineering and natural sciences as well as economics, human sciences and medicine. We offer excellent study and working conditions to 13,000 students from Germany and abroad as well as approx. 3,000 employees.

At the Chair of Mechanical Process Engineering (www.mvt.ovgu.de) we are a group of enthusiastic researchers with intensive research activities in the numerical modelling of multiphase flows, including interfacial and particle-laden flows.

Surface-active substances (surfactants) adsorbed at gas-liquid interfaces are omnipresent and understanding their subtle but often dominant influence is, consequently, of central importance for a vast amount of engineering applications and natural phenomena. However, the scientific community still lacks a comprehensive understanding of the influence of surface viscosity and inertia, which is important in engineering applications ranging from bioengineering to additive manufacturing, in capillary systems including changes in interface topology. The objective of the advertised position is to develop computational models to describe gas-liquid interfaces with surfactants, and use these models to study fundamental physical mechanisms associated with the nonlinear behaviour of surfactant-laden capillary systems, focusing on the subtle but important influence of surface viscosity, as well as the evolution of capillary instabilities and breakup. This will include the development of new numerical models to describe the complex behavior of surfactants adsorbed at a gas-liquid interface and the ensuing stresses that act on the surrounding fluids, as well as conducting systematic studies using our in-house CFD code of the dynamic behavior of droplets, bubbles and liquid films laden with surfactants. For instance, one of the applications that will be of interest in the scope of this project will be the modelling rupture and atomization of surfactant-laden jets and ligaments, as they occur in 3D printing techniques.

For further information about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Berend van Wachem by email: berend.vanwachem(at)ovgu.de.

You will benefit from our structures and offerings in the fields of sustainability, diversity, family support and staff development. Our location in the center of a thriving, lively and family-friendly state capital guarantees a high quality of life and a wide range of leisure activities. For more information, please visit www.ovgu.de/en/karriere.

Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is a signatory of the German Diversity Charter. We welcome your application, regardless of gender, cultural and social background, age or sexual orientation. Applications from severely disabled people or people with an equivalent impairment will be given priority in the case of equal suitability, ability and professional expertise. Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg strongly promotes gender equality in all professional areas.

Please note the information for storage of personal data: https://www.ovgu.de/en /data_protection.html.

Please send your complete application (motivation letter, curriculum vitae, graduation certificates, references) by
May 5, 2024 using the online application portal.