The Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Washington’s Seattle Campus seeks to fill a full-time post-doctoral research associate position. The proposed position focuses on efficiency and environmental improvements to biomass cookstove designs for use in East Africa. This position is available through a recently funded grant; more information on this project is available at:
This project is experimentally intensive, and involves the construction of laboratory prototype combustors, assembly of support equipment for controlling inputs flows to the experiment, and development of sample collection and analysis systems. The principal focus is on the control and characterization of carbonaceous particulate matter from the flames. As such, the position requires the development and operation of sampling, analysis, and characterization equipment for particulate matter from this experiment. Another critical focus is improvement in thermal efficiency. The experimental work will involve the development and testing of alternative designs and configurations to achieve these goals. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to work in a collaborative environment with computational modelers and cookstove manufacturers, and will be sensitive to the fact that cultural expectations and constraints will play an important part in any new design.
The successful candidate will:
- • Demonstrate a high level of experimental and hardware skills
- • Collaborate effectively as indicated above to develop innovative concepts for testing
- • Have received a PhD in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Chemical Engineering or related field
- • Publish results in high-impact journals
- • Show evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills
To respond, please send electronically a cover letter, a cv, and the names and contact information for three references to Jonathan Posner at jposner@uw.edu.
The University of Washington is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.