About the role: We invite applications for a Research Associate or Assistant to join an EPSRC-funded project on optimal transport in fluid flows, with applications ranging from indoor air quality and energy-efficient buildings to environmental contamination and industrial flows.

Fluid flows can transport scalars such as heat, pollutants, and other quantities in complex ways. This project develops new mathematical and computational tools to identify globally optimal flows for scalar transport, by reformulating problems involving the Navier-Stokes equations as Semidefinite Programmes (SDPs). Unlike traditional non-convex approaches using brute-force numerical simulations, SDPs are convex optimization problems so one can solve them systematically. This offers an exciting new approach for both theoretical and applied investigation of optimal transport problems in fluid mechanics.

What you would be doing:

In this role you will:

• Develop SDP-based algorithms and apply them to solve pure and applied problems in optimal heat transport in fluid mechanics.
• Collaborate with researchers in fluid mechanics, optimisation, and building physics.
• Work with our project partners, Optimal Labs, on applications involving AI climate control of greenhouses.

What we are looking for:

Research Associate: Hold a PhD in Fluid Mechanics, Engineering, Applied Mathematics or a related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience.

Research Assistant: A first / masters degree (or equivalent) in Fluid Mechanics, Engineering, Applied Mathematics or a closely related discipline. 

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant. 

• You should also have expertise in some of the following areas:
• Experience developing code for solving problems in fluid mechanics, partial differential equations or other relevant areas of engineering or physics.
• Experience in theoretical or applied analysis of partial differential equations, e.g., in fluid mechanics, structural mechanics, or other relevant areas of engineering or physics.
• Knowledge of optimization, either in terms of theory or numerical implementation.

What we can offer you:

• The chance to work on an exciting approach to solving optimal transport problems using convex optimisation, contributing directly to the development of new theoretical developments in fluid mechanics, new algorithms and applications.
• The opportunity to join a highly active research groups working on optimisation of fluid flows within Imperial’s Aeronautics (with Dr Andy Wynn) and Civil Engineering Departments (with co-lead Dr John Craske). You will collaborate with experts in SDPs, numerical simulation, transport and mixing and building physics.

Further Information

This position has a duration of 2 years with a start date no later than 1 March 2027.

Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Andy Wynn – a.wynn@imperial.ac.uk (see also https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/a.wynn). Please include a CV in your application and discuss examples of your research expertise as relevant to the position.

Our Culture

We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our webpages.

Our values are at the root of everything we do and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.