PostDoc Position on CFD for urban Nature-Base Solutions

PostDoc Fellowship (1+1 year, full time) on the topic “Multiscale numerical simulations on the effectiveness of Nature-Based Solutions to mitigate climate change effects on urban areas.” Deadline 16 October 2023

Description

A one-year Postdoctoral fellowship is open at the Dept of Physic and Astronomy at the University of Bologna (Italy). The activity will be carried out within the PRIN national project GREEN-POLIS, in close collaboration with the University of Roma “La Sapienza” and the University of Trento.

The activity aims to provide evidence-based analysis, grounded on a rigorous scientific approach, to build a robust and systemic knowledge of the most effective urban Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs), their potential benefits as well as the possible side effects. The candidate will design, run and analyse high-resolved numerical simulations using Computational Fluid Dynamics techniques (LES and RANS). The casa studies will be simplified geometries (urban canyons) and real neighbourhoods of Bologna, where green and blue NBSs (i.e. vegetation and waterbodies) will be virtually added to evaluate their efficacy in mitigating urban heat and pollution islands, along with possible unexpected consequences. Numerical works will be complemented with laboratory and field experiments and weather forecast simulations from the project partners. Contribution to the experimental work is welcome but not required.

Qualification

Expertise and competence in the area of small-scale numerical simulation are required, especially in the area of computational fluid dynamics. Knowledge of atmospheric physics processes, convective motion and pollutant dispersion is an advantage but not mandatory. The following are preferential criteria:

• Ph.D. degree in topics related to computational fluid dynamics or high-resolved numerical simulations (various fields, e.g. engineering, mathematics, physics, meteorology)

• Master’s degree in relevant disciplines (preferences: Atmospheric Physics, Physics, Engineering, Environmental Science or related fields)

• Experience with OpenFOAM software and programming skills (e.g. C++, Phyton)

• Knowledge of boundary layer processes and atmospheric physics

• Ability to work in a team, meet deadlines, prioritize and organise duties.

• Good level of written and oral English (at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

Salary and Benefits

The salary is based on the standard levels for Italian university employees adjusted with respect to the level of experience of the candidate. Taxation is variable and depends on the applicant's tax situation. Gross salary is between € 27000,00-30000,00 depending on the years and level of expertise. The winning candidate will have access to the university facilities and the department's HPC cluster. Possibility of limited teaching activity if desired.

The workplace is the Department of Physics and Astronomy, via Irnerio 46 Bologna, Italy. Depending on the candidate's needs, it is possible to agree on a percentage of remote working (also from other European countries), according to the working duty.

Application

The Candidate is expected to be hired in autumn 2023 following a formal selection. To apply, please send:

1. A curriculum vitae, including a publication list with links to the publishers’ website

2. A letter of motivation, summarising the Candidate’s interest and qualification for the position, as well as scientific interests and intended research activities

3. At least two letters of reference, and contact information for up to three referees

The application package should be submitted via e-mail (please specify the position to which you apply) to Dr Carlo Cintolesi (carlo.cintolesi@unibo.it [mailto:carlo.cintolesi@unibo.it] ) and:

• Dr Carlo Cintolesi (carlo.cintolesi@unibo.it [mailto:carlo.cintolesi@unibo.it] ),

• Prof. Silvana Di Sabatino (silvana.disabatino@unibo.it [mailto:silvana.disabatino@unibo.it] ) and

• Dr Francesco Barbano (francesco.barbano3@unibo.it [mailto:francesco.barbano3@unibo.it] )

before the deadline.