Postdoctoral Position 2 in Mechanical Engineering with focus in the Two-Phase Flow and Thermal Management Lab

POSITION OBJECTIVES Postdoctoral position in the Two-Phase Flow and Thermal Management Lab at Case Western Reserve University to do research in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and topology optimizations with a focus on fluid-structure interaction modeling (FSI), two-phase flows with heat transfer and phase change, electrochemical transport, and its applications in thermal management and energy systems. GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Two-Phase Flow and Thermal Management Lab at Case Western Reserve University is seeking a highly qualified postdoctoral researcher to develop advanced computational frameworks for thermal- fluid and energy-system applications. The position will focus on CFD, topology optimization, FSI modeling, two-phase flow boiling and condensation, and electrochemical transport phenomena. The successful candidate will contribute to the development, implementation, and validation of high- fidelity numerical models for complex multiphysics systems, including boiling and condensation, interfacial transport, thermal management, aortic root leaflet dynamics, and electrochemical energy devices. The candidate is expected to have strong expertise in numerical methods, multiphase flow and FSI modeling, as well as in computational optimization. The ideal candidate will have experience with widely used CFD and multiphysics simulation platforms such as ANSYS Fluent, LS DYNA, COMSOL Multiphysics, or in-house numerical solvers. Experience with topology optimization, adjoint-based methods, inverse design, or numerical optimization for thermal-fluid and energy systems is highly desirable. The candidate should also be familiar with traditional numerical methods, including finite volume, finite element, and finite difference methods. Experience with high-performance computing, parallel programming, and scientific machine learning methods such as data-driven and physics- informed neural networks is a plus. Secondary responsibilities may include supporting experimental activities in the lab, assisting with data collection and analysis, validating computational models against experimental measurements, mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, preparing technical reports, and contributing to peer- reviewed publications and research proposals. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 1. Develop CFD modeling tools for thermal-fluid and energy-system applications and validate models against experimental or benchmark data. (30%) 2. Implement topology optimization frameworks for fluid-structure interaction, thermal management, two-phase flows, and electrochemical transport systems. (20%) 3. Publish peer-reviewed journal papers and attend international conferences to disseminate and share research. (20%) 4. Support experimental activities in boiling, condensation, thermal-fluid systems, and electrochemical transport, including data collection, post-processing, and model validation. (up to 10%) 5. Coordinate with sponsors for meeting research project deliverables. (up to 10%) 6. Advise graduate and undergraduate students at the Two-Phase Flow and Thermal Management Lab in conducting their research projects relating to boiling and condensation experiments and modeling. (up to 10%) NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Attend department and school education and outreach activities CONTACTS Department: continuous (66+%) University: infrequent (up to 5%) External: moderate (16-30%) Students: moderate (16-30%) SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None

QUALIFICATIONS Experience: 0+ Education/Licensing: PhD in Engineering REQUIRED SKILLS 1. Strong background in CFD/FSI (ANSYS Fluent, LS DYNA), two-phase heat transfer (boiling and condensation), and transport phenomena. 2. Familiarity with fluid-structure interaction modeling and coupled multiphysics simulations. 3. Experience with topology optimization, inverse design, adjoint methods, or design sensitivity analysis. 4. Strong programming skills in Python, C/C++, Fortran, MATLAB, or similar scientific computing languages. 5. Knowledge of finite volume, finite element, or finite difference methods. 6. Experience with Linux environments, high-performance computing, and parallel computing 7. Experience with scientific machine learning, physics-informed neural networks, or data-driven modeling is preferred. WORKING CONDITIONS No special working conditions. In compliance with the City of Cleveland’s Pay Transparency Ordinance (effective October 27, 2025), the annual starting base salary range for this position is $55,000 - $63,480. CWRU considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant when extending an offer. Postdocs receive individual and family healthcare benefits, life insurance, and employee assistance.

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