Research Associate in Modelling Soft Matter, Interfacial Phenomena, and Multiphase Flows
The University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh,
United Kingdom
Research and Science
Skilled Worker
Job posted on May 7, 2025
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Job Description:
Job Description
Grade Salary Range: £40,497 - £48,149 per annum
School of Engineering, College of Science & Engineering, Institute: Institute for Multiscale Thermofluids
Contract type: Fixed Term contract for up to 30 months
Full time: 35 hours per week
The Opportunity
We are looking for a Research Associate (RA) in Modelling Soft Matter, Interfacial Phenomena, and Multiphase Flows to work with Prof Halim Kusumaatmaja in the Institute for Multiscale Thermofluids, School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh.
Prof Kusumaatmaja’s group is interested in a wide range of interfacial and multiphase flows, including drop dynamics, wetting on structured surfaces, microfluidics, wet granular matter, porous media flows, and phase change phenomena (e.g., evaporation, condensation, icing). The appointed RA should have strong expertise and experience in computer simulations in the areas of fluid dynamics, soft matter, and interfacial phenomena. They will develop suitable simulation techniques for multiphase and interfacial flows (potentially including multi-physics coupling to solid particle dynamics, phase change, and complex rheology), and leverage these tools to provide new physical insights.
Upon the appointment of Prof Kusumaatmaja as the Jason Reese Chair at the University of Edinburgh, the group is keen to develop stronger research collaborations with industry partners in the fields of soft matter, interfacial phenomena, and soft matter. Hence, as part of the role, the RA is further expected to collaborate and develop links with new and existing industry partners. There are also opportunities to interact with other groups across Edinburgh, including the Edinburgh Complex Fluid Partnership.
The post is for up to 30 months. Informal enquiries are welcome and should please be directed to halim.kusumaatmaja@ed.ac.uk . Further details about Prof. Kusumaatmaja's research group can be found at https://sites.google.com/site/kusumaatmaja .
Your Skills And Attributes For Success
Click to view a copy of the full job description (opens new browser tab)
As a valued member of our team you can expect:
Championing Equality, Diversity And Inclusion
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab).
The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.
Key Dates To Note
Closing date for applications is 28 May 2025.
Interviews are expected to be held sometime from end of June to middle of July 2025.
About Us
As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.
About The Team
Engineering has been taught at Edinburgh in one form or another since 1673. In 2002, the present School of Engineering was formed from the previously existing departments of Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electronics and Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Since then, the School has grown from strength to strength, growing rapidly in the last 5 years, now having the largest number of students among the seven Schools in the College of Science and Engineering, offering undergraduate degree programmes across all disciplines and taught Masters courses in niche areas. All of the undergraduate degree programmes are accredited by the relevant professional institutions.
The School of Engineering addresses diverse complex challenges across the entire field of engineering, at the micro- and macro/global scales. At the microscopic scale, its research supports the design and deployment of novel nanotechnology and devices for biological monitoring and medical diagnosis; at the macro/global scale, it optimises the security and sustainability of the built environment and develops engineering solutions to climate change issues. In REF 2021 the joint submission from the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University to General Engineering was ranked 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for quality and breadth of research. The ranking cited is based upon the breadth and quality of research which apply standard formula (as used by the Times Higher Education) to the REF 2021 results.
The School has a strong track record in producing more than 50 technology spin-outs and developing industry links that enable our graduates to build career-long relationships. Current research income in the School was c.£22.0M in 2020/21.
We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working and recognise and value diversity across all our staff and students. The School has an active programme offering support and professional development for all staff; providing mentoring, training, and networking opportunities.
The School of Engineering holds a bronze Athena SWAN award, in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education & research.
Further information, including details of undergraduate & postgraduate taught programmes: www.eng.ed.ac.uk
APPLY NOW
Grade Salary Range: £40,497 - £48,149 per annum
School of Engineering, College of Science & Engineering, Institute: Institute for Multiscale Thermofluids
Contract type: Fixed Term contract for up to 30 months
Full time: 35 hours per week
The Opportunity
We are looking for a Research Associate (RA) in Modelling Soft Matter, Interfacial Phenomena, and Multiphase Flows to work with Prof Halim Kusumaatmaja in the Institute for Multiscale Thermofluids, School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh.
Prof Kusumaatmaja’s group is interested in a wide range of interfacial and multiphase flows, including drop dynamics, wetting on structured surfaces, microfluidics, wet granular matter, porous media flows, and phase change phenomena (e.g., evaporation, condensation, icing). The appointed RA should have strong expertise and experience in computer simulations in the areas of fluid dynamics, soft matter, and interfacial phenomena. They will develop suitable simulation techniques for multiphase and interfacial flows (potentially including multi-physics coupling to solid particle dynamics, phase change, and complex rheology), and leverage these tools to provide new physical insights.
Upon the appointment of Prof Kusumaatmaja as the Jason Reese Chair at the University of Edinburgh, the group is keen to develop stronger research collaborations with industry partners in the fields of soft matter, interfacial phenomena, and soft matter. Hence, as part of the role, the RA is further expected to collaborate and develop links with new and existing industry partners. There are also opportunities to interact with other groups across Edinburgh, including the Edinburgh Complex Fluid Partnership.
The post is for up to 30 months. Informal enquiries are welcome and should please be directed to halim.kusumaatmaja@ed.ac.uk . Further details about Prof. Kusumaatmaja's research group can be found at https://sites.google.com/site/kusumaatmaja .
Your Skills And Attributes For Success
- An undergraduate degree and a PhD in physical sciences, engineering, applied mathematics or a clearly related area.
- Proven track record of research in computational fluid dynamics, interfacial science, soft matter, or closely related area.
- Demonstrable skills and experience in developing and applying computer simulations.
- Demonstrable ability to work independently and in a team.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, including with colleagues from different background and technical expertise.
Click to view a copy of the full job description (opens new browser tab)
As a valued member of our team you can expect:
- A competitive salary.
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits.
Championing Equality, Diversity And Inclusion
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab).
The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.
Key Dates To Note
Closing date for applications is 28 May 2025.
Interviews are expected to be held sometime from end of June to middle of July 2025.
About Us
As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.
About The Team
Engineering has been taught at Edinburgh in one form or another since 1673. In 2002, the present School of Engineering was formed from the previously existing departments of Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electronics and Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Since then, the School has grown from strength to strength, growing rapidly in the last 5 years, now having the largest number of students among the seven Schools in the College of Science and Engineering, offering undergraduate degree programmes across all disciplines and taught Masters courses in niche areas. All of the undergraduate degree programmes are accredited by the relevant professional institutions.
The School of Engineering addresses diverse complex challenges across the entire field of engineering, at the micro- and macro/global scales. At the microscopic scale, its research supports the design and deployment of novel nanotechnology and devices for biological monitoring and medical diagnosis; at the macro/global scale, it optimises the security and sustainability of the built environment and develops engineering solutions to climate change issues. In REF 2021 the joint submission from the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University to General Engineering was ranked 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for quality and breadth of research. The ranking cited is based upon the breadth and quality of research which apply standard formula (as used by the Times Higher Education) to the REF 2021 results.
The School has a strong track record in producing more than 50 technology spin-outs and developing industry links that enable our graduates to build career-long relationships. Current research income in the School was c.£22.0M in 2020/21.
We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working and recognise and value diversity across all our staff and students. The School has an active programme offering support and professional development for all staff; providing mentoring, training, and networking opportunities.
The School of Engineering holds a bronze Athena SWAN award, in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education & research.
Further information, including details of undergraduate & postgraduate taught programmes: www.eng.ed.ac.uk