Position Description – Research Fellow in Marine Propulsor Hydrodynamics
Position Details
Position Title:
Research Fellow in Marine Propulsor Hydrodynamics
Position Number:
NEW
College/Portfolio:
Science, Engineering and Health
School/Group:
School of Science
Position Location:
Based at the Melbourne premises of the Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group
Classification:
In the range of Academic Levels A7 – B3
Salary Schedule: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=ewhtlt73t01
Employment Type:
Fixed Term - Research (Two-Year Contract)
Note: See Reasons for fixed term appointments guideline for explanation of fixed term categories
Time Fraction:
Full-time (1.0)
RMIT University
RMIT is a global university of technology, design and enterprise in which teaching, research and engagement
are central to achieving positive impact and creating life-changing experiences for our students.
One of Australia’s original educational institutions founded in 1887, RMIT University now has 83,000 students
including 12,000 at postgraduate level.
The University enjoys an international reputation for excellence in professional and vocational education,
applied and innovative research, and engagement with the needs of industry and the community.
With three campuses in Melbourne (City, Brunswick and Bundoora), two in Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh
City) and a centre in Barcelona, Spain, RMIT is a truly global university. RMIT also offers programs through
partners in Singapore, Hong Kong, mainland China, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, and enjoys research and
industry partnerships on every continent.
RMIT prides itself on the strong industry links it has forged over its 130-year history. Collaboration with
industry is integral to the University’s leadership in applied research and education, and to the development of
highly skilled, globally focused graduates.
We are a 5-Star university under the QS Stars international evaluation system, and are 16th in the world
among universities less than 50 years old (2016–17 QS Top 50 Under 50 index).
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Business and Management Studies).
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Our research was ranked among the best in the world in the 2015 Excellence in Research for Australia
evaluation. RMIT was rated “well above world standard” in 13 fields and “above world standard” in a further
nine fields.
www.rmit.edu.au
College/Portfolio/Group
The College comprises four Schools delivering a broad range of programs in science, engineering, health and
technology at apprenticeship, certificate, bachelor, masters and PhD levels. Many programs articulate between
vocational and higher education, creating pathways for further study. There is a vibrant research community
attracting funding from a range of government and industry sources. The College has an annual income of
approximately $425 million and employs over 1,000 staff providing on and offshore programs to approximately
20,000 students.
More information about the College may be found at: www.rmit.edu.au/seh
School of Science
The School of Science provides over 45 bachelor and postgraduate programs, and undertakes world class
research across the disciplines of physical sciences, mathematical sciences and computer science.
One of RMIT's top-performing research schools, we deliver research that addresses the 'real life questions'
essential to Australia's innovation agenda. Our high-quality teaching programs inspire students to pursue careers in
a range of industries including health, materials technology, food, geospatial and surveying, environmental
analysis, banking and commerce, as well as computing and IT roles and research and development across a wide
range of areas.
The School has staff, students and facilities on both the City and Bundoora campuses, has 300 staff, 327 higher
degree research students, 3347 coursework students and an annual budget of $120 million.
Details relating to the School can be found at www.rmit.edu.au/about/our-education/academic-schools/science/
Position Summary
The postdoctoral project is an exciting cutting-edge research collaboration in marine propulsor dynamics between
RMIT University and the Defence Science and Technology Group. Marine propulsors for naval applications
generally involve a compromise between performance and efficiency. The aim of this project is to explore the
parameter space relating to the hydrodynamics and hydroacoustic performance of such propulsors in order to
better understand the trade-offs involved with various geometries. The focal points of the work that the Postdoctoral
researcher will be tasked with will include the development of a variety of the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
tools including: a potential flow algorithm code for fast inviscid analysis; and automated CAD and volume meshing
algorithm tools (via Pointwise) for computing highly detailed, viscous hull-propulsor CFD solutions generated using
OpenFOAM software.
Reporting Line
Reports to: Dr Yan Ding, Project manager, Senior Lecturer in School of Science, RMIT University
Direct reports: Nil
Organisational Accountabilities
RMIT University is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of its staff. RMIT and its staff must comply with a
range of statutory requirements, including equal opportunity, occupational health and safety, privacy and trade
practice. RMIT also expects staff to comply with its policy and procedures, which relate to statutory requirements
and our ways of working.
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Appointees are accountable for completing training on these matters and ensuring their knowledge and the
knowledge of their staff is up to date.
Key Accountabilities
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As a team participant, improve the understanding of the hydrodynamics and hydroacoustic performance of
marine platforms and propulsors and the trade-offs associated with varying geometries.
To develop tools and techniques that provide the capability to assess the hydrodynamic and hydroacoustic
performance of marine platform and propulsor geometries
To develop validated analytical and numerical models, including CFD RANS and LES models, for propulsors
integrated with selected hullforms to analyse the hydrodynamic and hydroacoustic performance of the platform.
Participate in experimental programmes to validate and supplement analytical and numerical work.
Participate in collaborative research activities between the University and DST Group in propulsor
hydrodynamics, including joint supervision to students on projects supported by the Commonwealth.
Produce internal reports and external publications, and make presentations to internal and external
stakeholders.
Key Selection Criteria
Mandatory
1. The applicant must be an Australian citizen, and the final appointment of the successful applicant is
subject to a minimum level of classified security clearance.
(The security classification of the position will be up to and including Secret level. The Specified Personnel
shall be suitable to obtain a minimum security clearance of NV1 and shall comply with the requirements and
procedures of the security policies relating to national security matters and as amended from time to time.)
Essential
1. PhD in Mathematics or Engineering with proven in-depth knowledge of Computational Fluid Dynamics
(PhD students who have submitted or about to submit their thesis for examination are also encouraged to
apply).
2. Demonstrated experience in developing validated Computational Fluid Dynamics models to characterise
the performance of fluid systems.
3. A record of contributing to building and maintaining effective and productive links locally, nationally, and/or
internationally with the discipline, profession, industry, and wider community.
4. Well-developed communication skills and a publication record including reports, journal papers and
conference presentations.
5. Demonstrated ability to work in a team with a diverse range of skills and experiences.
Desirable
1. Demonstrated ability to partake in experimental programmes and analyse the results related to fluid
dynamics.
2. Experience in numerical and experimental fluid dynamics related to characterisation and analysis of the
performance of maritime vehicles, propulsors, and/or related appendages.
3. Proficiency in using OpenFOAM and Pointwise software for CFD modelling and simulation.
Qualifications
Ph.D (in mathematics or engineering with computational fluid dynamics)
Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing Working with Children check.
Endorsed:
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Title:
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Approved:
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