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The Coastal Boundary Layers Lab at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (UPRM) is seeking two Postdoctoral Researchers to work in two newly-funded projects. The goal of these projects is to quantify the effects of grain shape and angularity on sediment dynamics and munition mobility. A short synopsis of each project is presented below. Ideally, we are seeking one (1) numerical modeler and one (1) experimentalist. The ideal candidates should have a strong background in fluid mechanics, with significant education/experience in turbulence and/or sediment transport. THE PROJECTS Grain Shape Effects on Littoral Sediment Dynamics: Tropical littoral zones generally exhibit non-cohesive sediments composed of corals, shells and other marine fragments with a variety of shapes and angular features. The irregular nature of these types of sediments increases intergranular friction thereby hindering sediment mobilization. Through detailed laboratory observations this projects aims to accurately quantify the effect of grain shape and angularity on initiation of motion, bedform evolution and bedload transport. The successful candidate will complement the experimental program using Computational Fluid Dynamics - Discrete Element Methods in order to study more complex physics that cannot be simulated in the experimental facility. This project is funded by the US Department of Defense award #W911NF2010267. Grain Shape Effects on Munition Mobility: This project addresses the processes of munition mobility, burial and reemergence in underwater environments subjected to wave action. Specifically, it focuses on tropical settings, where sediment substrates commonly exhibit high degrees of grain angularity and irregular shapes. The successful candidate will lead an experimental program to collect laboratory observations of the near-bed velocity field, bed geometry, and munition movement at UPRM’s oscillating boundary layer facility, and will work in synergy with Dr. Stefano Leonardi at UT-Dallas to inform the numerical modeling component of the project. This effort is funded by SERDP award #MR21-1291. THE POSITIONS Minimum requirements: 1. A Ph.D. in physical oceanography, coastal/ocean engineering, or closely related field. 2. Research experience in fluid mechanics with journal contributions in turbulence and/or sediment transport. 3. Ability to pursue research both independently and collaboratively. 4. Programming experience in Matlab/Python or similar. Experience in one or more of the following is desired: • Sediment transport modeling • Discrete Element Methods • Particle Image Velocimetry The successful candidates will be located at UPRM, in the west coast of Puerto Rico and will primarily work with Dr. Sylvia Rodríguez-Abudo. They will also have the opportunity to participate in other collaborative projects within the Coastal Boundary Layers research group, CARICOOS, and beyond. The postdoctoral researchers are expected to publish in peer-reviewed journals and will be encouraged to submit research proposals for future funding opportunities of their interest. While funding for each appointment is available for 24 months, initial appointments will be for 12 months, renewable for a second year subject to performance. Benefits of the positions include a competitive salary and health insurance, among others. Successful candidates can begin as early as July 2021. To apply, please send a cover letter, CV, and contact information for at least three references to rodriguez.abudo@upr.edu. Positions are open until filled. MORE INFO For more information about the lab, please visit our website. For more information about the position, please contact me at rodriguez.abudo@upr.edu. |
