PhD Position in Simulation of Compressible Turbulent Flows, Ilmenau University of Technology, Germany

Summary

Ilmenau University of Technology is seeking a PhD candidate for the Department of Fluid Mechanics within the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering to conduct research on the simulation of compressible turbulent flows. This three-year position, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) under the CoScaRa priority programme, is conducted in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in the Sciences in Leipzig. The role involves direct numerical simulations on compute clusters and multi-faceted data analysis at the intersection of fluid mechanics, applied mathematics, and machine learning. Compensation is provided according to the EG 13 TV-L salary scale.

Key Facts

Employer	Ilmenau University of Technology
Department	Fakultät für Maschinenbau, Fachgebiet Strömungsmechanik
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics
Research Area	Fluid Mechanics, Compressible Turbulent Flows
Degree Required	Master's degree or university diploma
Salary	EG 13 TV-L
Funding	Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) within the CoScaRa priority programme
Contract Duration	3 years
Deadline	2026-11-29
Required Documents	Certificates and diplomas, Letter of motivation, Tabular CV, List of publications (if available), Transcripts of records, Names and contact details of up to two references
Employer Address	Thuringia
Employer Contact	Prof. Dr. Jörg Schumacher, Tel. 03677 69 2428

About the Project

The DFG-funded research project focuses on the dynamics and statistical properties of compressible turbulence, specifically examining the kinetic energy dissipation rate and its dependence on the Reynolds number in connection with the dissipative anomaly. Research at Ilmenau involves direct numerical simulations of compressible flows at high Reynolds and Mach numbers, combining standard and AI-based methods to analyze statistical and geometric properties of kinetic energy dissipation.

Key Responsibilities

• Familiarization with compressible turbulence and literature review
• Developing theoretical foundations for energy dissipation in turbulent flows
• Executing numerical simulations using in-house software on compute clusters
• Performing statistical and geometric data analysis using standard and AI methods
• Visualizing results and writing scientific publications
• Exchanging results with project partners

Required Skills

• Very good university Master's or Diploma degree in mechanical engineering, computer science, mathematics, or physics
• Knowledge in fluid mechanics (especially turbulence), statistical physics, or applied mathematics (especially partial differential equations)
• Experience in scientific programming and/or machine learning (e.g., Fortran 90, Python, MPI, OpenMP, OpenACC)

Who Should Apply

Applicants holding a very good university Master's degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics should apply. Strong candidates will possess expertise in fluid mechanics, statistical physics, or applied mathematics, alongside practical experience in scientific programming or machine learning using tools like Fortran 90, Python, and parallel computing frameworks.

Benefits

• Attractive collective bargaining remuneration under TV-L including an annual special payment
• 30 days of annual leave plus additional free days on December 24 and 31
• Family-friendly and flexible working time model
• VBL public service pension scheme
• Diverse individual training opportunities
• Comprehensive health and sports offers

About the Employer

Ilmenau University of Technology stands for top-level teaching and research in engineering, mathematics, natural sciences, economics, and media, prioritizing innovative teaching, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a cosmopolitan campus environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the working time arrangement for this position?

The position is 75% part-time during the first year and 100% full-time during the second and third years.

What is the start date and duration of the contract?

The position starts on January 1, 2027, with a fixed-term contract of 3 years.

Which external institution is collaborating on this project?

The project is conducted jointly with a research group at the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in the Sciences in Leipzig.

What degree is required to apply?

A very good university Master's degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics is required.