Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Fluid Dynamics/Environmental Engineering

Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Project Focus:  Investigating the mixing effect on floc formation, growth, breakage and regrowth in a paddle flocculator.

Application Deadline: November 21, 2023

Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified Postdoctoral Research Fellow to contribute to the project “PIV and CFD Investigation of the Mixing Effect on Floc Formation, Growth, Breakage and Regrowth in a Paddle Flocculator” at the Lebanese American University, Byblos Campus. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of water resources/environmental engineering.

Responsibilities:

The post-doctoral researcher will coordinate and conduct experimental measurements using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and computational simulations using ANSYS-Fluent for a lab-scale paddle flocculator, and will play a pivotal role in coordination with the Principal Investigator for proper project implementation.

The successful applicant shall have excellent methodological and academic skills and with strong organizational and communication skills.  The postdoctoral researcher will work independently and in coordination with the Principal Investigator. Some of the responsibilities include, but not limited to, the following:

• Conduct a literature review on present velocity flow fields, floc formation – breakage – regrowth experiments, and numerical modeling.
• Investigate the velocity flow fields in the paddle flocculation unit using PIV system.
• Monitor floc growth – breakage – regrowth in the flocculation unit using PIV system.
• Apply and validate a CFD model (ANSYS Fluent) to study the design of the paddle flocculator for possible optimum efficiency and velocity characterization.
• Optimize the developed model to obtain convergence with experimental results.
• Develop a model for the floc formation mechanisms using CFD code ANSYS-Fluent and utilize the validated CFD model to study the floc size distribution under different hydrodynamic and physical conditions and at different rotational speeds.
• Evaluate the formation of flocs and the breakage of flocs due to intense mixing and propose an optimum value for the mixing and the velocity gradient G.
• Investigate the impact of shear conditions during initial floc formation on floc size after breakage and regrowth.
• Use the developed model to study the slippage factors at the paddles of a flocculator possibly in a tapered mode.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D.in Civil Engineering, Fluid dynamics, or a related field to computational modelling and experimental analysis.
• Good proficiency in experimental measurements using a Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and computational simulation using ANSYS-Fluent.
• English is the spoken and written language in the research project.
• Ability to communicate effectively.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates should submit the following application materials to gsr@lau.edu.lb:

• A cover letter detailing your research interests and relevant qualifications.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) including a list of publications.
• Contact information for three professional references.
• A statement of research accomplishments and future goals (max. 2 pages).

For inquiries or additional information about the position, please contact Dr. Jean Chatila at jchatila@lau.edu.lb

LAU is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all above mentioned backgrounds to apply. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment.