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The Multiscale Multiphysics Modeling and Data-Driven Analysis of Thermofluids (M3TFluiD) Lab at Cleveland State University is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant or Research Associate (postdoctoral) to support a multi-year, federally funded, multidisciplinary project in the area of high-temperature thermal analysis and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The successful candidate (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident only) will contribute to numerical modeling and simulation of advanced thermal systems relevant to next-generation aerospace applications. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop simplified 2D/quasi-3D computational domains for thermal simulations of coated composites.

• Perform CFD simulations using ANSYS Fluent (or comparable tools) to evaluate conduction, convection, and radiative heat transfer behavior under extreme thermal conditions.

• Map temperature-dependent thermophysical properties and define relevant boundary conditions representative of high-temperature environments.

• Conduct parametric analyses to assess sensitivity to coating thickness, heat flux, and exposure time using a design-of-experiments (DOE) approach.

• Collaborate with experimental teams to compare simulation results with test data and refine modeling assumptions.

• Generate reports, figures, and documentation supporting proposal submissions and final project deliverables.

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. or Ph.D. (or currently pursuing) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.

• Experience with CFD tools such as ANSYS Fluent or OpenFOAM.

• Familiarity with high-temperature materials or coatings is a plus.

• Strong background in heat transfer, especially conduction and radiation modeling.

• Prior experience with mesh generation, boundary condition formulation, and HPC simulations is desirable.

• This position does not accept international researchers.

Duration:
This is an 18-month, grant-funded position with potential for extension depending on project outcomes and funding.

Application Materials:

• CV (2 pages max)

• Cover letter (1 page; research interests, qualifications)

• Unofficial transcripts, sample publications, and relevant certifications