Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Kinetic and Physical Phenomena Modelling

The Multiscale Reaction Engineering Group (MuRE), within the KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher in chemical engineering with a strong mathematical and theory background to develop computational methods in catalytic reaction engineering. We are targeting the development of data-driven computing techniques for unbiased discovery of novel heterogeneous catalytic materials and reaction networks.

The postdoctoral researcher would serve the MuRE mission to engineer catalytic reactions using a systematic multiscale approach, in particular developing advanced models. She or he will be part of a multidisciplinary, international and enthusiastic team of young researchers developing solutions to intensify the production, clean or valorize targeted streams or products.

MuRE is heavily engaged with several research groups with interdisciplinary approaches across KAUST and internationally. Moreover, we have many interactions with industrial partners, who finance a great deal of our activities.

Research Responsibilities would include: 

• Modeling kinetic and/or physical phenomena of chemical process.
• Writing and editing computational code in micro-, macro-kinetic modeling, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and/or DEM. This code will be used to optimize and re-design the catalyst or the reactor.
• Develop simulations of the catalytic reactor that enable to understand the experimental observation as well as to scale-up.
• Provide training and protocols to other researchers, students and technicians in MuRE and KCC.
• Engage in MuRE research and industrial projects to meet the higher standards of catalytic performance in each catalytic process.

Ph.D. degree in chemical engineering, chemistry or related disciplines with solid background in modeling chemical processes and heat transfer.

Expertise is required in the specific areas of:

• Knowledge and experience in software development, ideally in C++, and git
• Writing or editing code for micro- or macro-kinetic for CFD modeling of chemical processes.
• Coding towards an HPC environment.
• Advanced command on simulation software like ASPEN, HYSYS, or alike is not required but appreciated.

Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years of relevant working experience and with a good track record of publications in the field.
• Experience in writing research proposals-manuscripts and supervision of co-workers.
• A goal-oriented and well-organized personality as well as good communication and English skills.
• Enthusiasm, a broad range of interest, and the capability to learn rapidly.
• Ability to work and communicate in an international environment of researchers from academia and industry.

Application should include

• Up-to-date CV which includes a description of your research experience and interests. 
• List of publications.
• Copy of official academic transcripts.
• A list of names/affiliations and contact details of at least three potential referees.