Thermo-Fluids Optimization Research for Clean Energy (T-FORCE)

Funded PhD position in Sustainable Energy

Position Description:

The School of Sustainable Energy Engineering (SEE) is now accepting applications for an exciting opportunity to pursue a PhD. The research will be funded by a MITACS award in collaboration with UK company, Domin Fluid Power. The project will require close collaboration with the industrial sponsor including international travel (COVID restrictions permitting). The research project will address the significant inefficiencies that exist within hydraulic systems by designing, modelling and testing a new type of hydraulic machine that can supply flow more efficiently and reclaim braking energy. 

Keys to this innovation will be two-fold. First, it will rely on the step change in speed and power density of direct-drive, valve technology from the industrial partner Domin. Second, it will make use of the design freedom inherent in metal additive manufacturing to enhance efficiency through flow optimization and tighter component integration. 

Note: due to the restriction from the funding body, only candidates who are Canadian or permanent residents of Canada are eligible.

The successful candidate will work within the research group: Thermo-Fluids Optimization Research for Clean Energy - Simon Fraser University (sfu.ca)

Qualifications and Skills:

• Completion of undergraduate and Masters degree in Engineering or Applied Science

The successful candidate must be able to:

• Demonstrate a high level of fluency in both written and spoken English

• Synthesize information from a variety of sources 

• Work both independently and collaboratively with faculty, instructors, staff, students and/or external stakeholders

• Think analytically and critically

• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills• Have knowledge and experience related to engineering, with a particular advantage to those with experience in fluid dynamics and additive manufacturing.

Work Detail:

• Complete a thorough review of literature 

• Develop mathematic models from first principles

• Use commercial fluid dynamic software

• Develop techniques for component design optimization

• Work closely with industrial partner to manufacture and test components and full systems

Work Term: Full time for 3 years with possibility to extend.

Reports To: Dr. Colin Copeland, T-FORCE group lead, Sustainable Energy Engineering

MITACS Funding: $30,000 per annum

To Apply:

Applicants should submit a detailed resume

Please use subject line: PhD – T-FORCE and submit your application in one PDF attachment to Dr. Colin Copeland at ccopelan@sfu.ca. 

Application Deadline: Open until the position is filled