Postdoctoral Researcher Position Available in Sustainable Aircraft and Propulsion Systems Design and Optimization

The Integrated Design of Environmentally-friendly Aerospace Systems Laboratory (IDEAS Lab), part of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher. Our lab adopts a holistic approach that accounts for the system-level and life-cycle impact of the design and operation of novel aircraft on the environment. We explore transformative sustainable aviation technologies such as electrified propulsion and hydrogen-powered aircraft, leveraging probabilistic design methods, physics-based and reduced order modeling, and systems engineering principles to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of this emerging field.

This postdoc position is available immediately and will remain open until filled.

Subject areas: Multi-disciplinary analysis and optimization (MDAO), model-based systems engineering (MBSE), surrogate modeling, systems design.

Research application: Aircraft and propulsion system sizing, optimization, and design space exploration, electrified aircraft (including battery and/or hydrogen fuel cell hybrids), alternative fuel propulsion, sustainable aviation technologies.

Job Description: The successful candidate will engage in collaborative research projects and conduct independent investigations into electrified and/or hydrogen-powered aircraft systems. They will contribute to multidisciplinary efforts, focusing on the design, integration, and optimization of advanced concepts for sustainable aviation. The researcher will perform aircraft and propulsion system modeling and simulation, utilize aircraft sizing and optimization codes (such as OpenMDAO and Aviary), and develop surrogate models for trade studies and sensitivity analysis. Additionally, they will build MBSE models to analyze advanced propulsion system requirements. The candidate will be responsible for publishing journal articles and contributing to grant writing efforts.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and applying MDAO frameworks for aircraft and propulsion system optimization leveraging OpenMDAO.
• Employing MBSE methodologies, utilizing tools such as MagicDraw or similar, to integrate system models.
• Contributing to the development of surrogate models for complex engineering systems, with potential use of JMP Pro.
• Collaborating closely with other researchers and students, fostering a positive and collegial environment.

Position Requirements:

• Ph.D. degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or in a similar engineering field
• Strong background in MDAO and systems design, with proficiency in using OpenMDAO or similar platforms.
• Experience in MBSE and familiarity in SysML, or a strong willingness and ability to learn SysML quickly.
• Proficiency in programming, especially in Python
• Knowledge and keen interest in aircraft and propulsion system sizing and design
• Demonstrated research productivity through published or accepted journal papers

Preferred (Bonus) Qualifications:

• Prior research experience in electrified aircraft and/or hydrogen-powered aircraft
• Familiarity with surrogate modeling, predictive modeling, or reduced-order modeling
• Experience in gas turbine engine component modeling and thermal management modeling

In our lab, we place great emphasis on collaboration with graduate and undergraduate students, striving to foster a positive and collegial culture.

Location: This position is based in Ann Arbor, MI, a vibrant university town that consistently rates as one of the best places to live in the US. The mode of work is in-person.

Application: Interested candidates should email a resume, a detailed statement (max 1 page) explaining how their background and experience align with the job description, the names and contact information of three references, and 2-3 select papers relevant to the research topics listed above to Prof. Gökçin Çınar at cinar@umich.edu.

Background Screening: The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

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