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Postdoctoral and PhD Positions: Underwater Radiated Noise from Marine Vessels

Environmental impact is emerging as an issue of primary importance in the marine transportation industry. Underwater radiated noise (URN) in particular has been identified as a risk factor for the southern resident killer whales that populate the Salish Sea, which is an area of intense marine traffic. Propeller-induced cavitation is the dominant source of URN from marine vessels.

Post-doctoral and PhD positions are available in a research project led by Dr. Peter Oshkai, who directs the Fluids Research Laboratory in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems (IESVic) at the University of Victoria. The Post-doc and PhD researchers will pursue the following objectives:

(a) Development of a high-fidelity numerical solver package for the open-source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) platform OpenFOAM that would capture the key physical features of the flows around marine propellers and interactions between turbulence, cavitation and URN.

(b) Development of a low-order numerical solver for prediction of the acoustic performance of propellers over a broad range of operating conditions.

(c) Experimental investigation of flow-acoustic interactions between a single cavitation bubble and an unsteady flow under repeatable laboratory conditions.

(d) Simulation of the flow-acoustic interactions due to cavitating marine propellers using the commercial CFD software StarCCM+ and validation of the CFD solvers against existing laboratory and field acoustic data.

Requirements

• MASc/MSc (for PhD) or PhD (for Post-doc) degree in a relevant area of engineering.
• Strong background in fluid mechanics and CFD.
• Ideally, knowledge of OpenFOAM, StarCCM+ and experience with experimental techniques (quantitative flow visualization, acoustic measurements and signal processing).
• Strong communication abilities in English (writing, conversational, presentation).
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse team.

The Fluids Research Laboratory, IESVic and the larger UVic communities are diverse and committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity and inclusion in our living, learning and work environments. Dr. Oshkai strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including women, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and those persons experiencing barriers to equity.

Timeline

Positions are starting ASAP; applications accepted on a rolling basis.

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to send an email to Dr. Oshkai at poshkai@uvic.ca with the subject

“URN position”. Please attach:

• A detailed CV.
• A one-page letter describing your relevant research experience and motivation.
• Names and contact details of two references.

Post Doctoral and Graduate Student Positions: Sustainable Energy Systems Integration and Transitions Group

Multi-scaled, multi-sector, and multi-vector energy systems modelling

The ongoing energy system transition, empowered by technology developments, fueled by shifting
investments, and motivated by decarbonization, is one of the 21st century’s most urgent tasks. However, current energy system models fail to deliver the holistic perspective required by decision-makers to navigate complex policy choices. Instead, energy system analyses are plagued by rigid model platforms and discretized researchers who focus on specific sectors, spatial-temporal scales, or energy vectors. This research project will pursue the development of an extensible and adaptable multi-scale, multisector, and multi-vector M3 Modelling Platform that links distinct but integrated modules to span spatial-temporal scales, the breadth of energy system services, and each energy carrier. To do so, we will employ novel computer science techniques, including multi-objective active learning, advanced visualizations, and parallelized computing. By applying machine learning and applied statistics, this research will transform our approach to energy systems modelling and accelerate decarbonization efforts.

The positions will be supervised by Dr. Madeleine McPherson, who leads the Sustainable Energy Systems Integration & Transitions Group. The successful applicant will also be affiliated with the multi-disciplinary Institute for Integrated Energy Systems (IESVic) at the University of Victoria.

Please click here for more details regarding the graduate student position.

Please click here for more details regarding the post-doctoral research position.

Research Opportunities

Highly qualified students are always encouraged to apply for graduate positions. Browse our site for faculty members and research projects that reflect your interests and background.

Contact an IESVic faculty member

Contact relevant faculty members. Attach your curriculum vitae (resume) and a list of undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate grades. This can be an unofficial listing compiled by you. Official transcripts will be required later.

Prepare a UVic graduate studies application

IESVic is a research institute and not an academic department or school – membership is voluntary and reflects the participation of individual faculty members.  This means that students interested in joining the institute must apply for admission to a program in one of UVic's Departments. For more information, see the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Departmental web pages.