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ICAMS:
Scale Bridging Thermodynamic and Kinetic Simulation
Complex Fluids Group
In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (29.87 hours/week = 75%) at the earliest possible date or July 1, 2026, we are looking for a
PhD-Position (m/f/x) at ICAMS, Ruhr-University Bochum: Lattice-Boltzmann-based simulations of reactive flows through particle beds
The Complex Fluids Group at ICAMS, Ruhr University Bochum, investigates structure–property relationships in soft matter systems such as polymers, colloids, and suspensions, combining theoretical modeling with large-scale molecular simulations. Its research focuses on flow behavior, phase transitions, and non-equilibrium phenomena, with particular relevance to advanced materials design and processing. The group also has strong expertise in lattice Boltzmann modeling combined with machine-learning-based approaches for simulating complex reactive fluid flows and hydrodynamic interactions across multiple length and time scales.
As a research assistant (m/f/x), you will independently develop highly efficient, massively parallel (GPU/CPU) lattice-Boltzmann-based numerical solvers for the transport and chemical reactions of gases and solids under flow conditions and implement the resulting code into the existing simulation software OpenPhase (http://www.openphase.rub.de). You will be embedded in a large collaborative research network between Ruhr University Bochum and Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (SFB-TRR 287, Bulk Reaction), providing an excellent opportunity to further develop your research profile and establish yourself in an academic environment
Scope: part-time
Duration: fixed-term, 36 Monate
Start: at the earliest possible date or July 1, 2026
Apply by: 2026-04-20
Your tasks:
- Numerical modelling of chemical reactions between the solid and the surrounding gas.
- Coupling between the flow solver and the phase-field method to account for interface kinetics during solid–gas reactions.
- Optimization and parallelization of the code for efficient execution on GPU/CPU architectures.
- Verification and validation of numerical methods against analytical solutions and/or experimental data.
- Integration of newly developed models and algorithms into the simulation framework OpenPhase.
- Presentation of results in project meetings, conferences and scientific publications.
Your profile:
Master’s degree or Diploma in Computational Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Theoretical Physics; familiarity with combustion equations, fluid dynamics, turbulent flows, advection-diffusion and reaction equations, mass and heat transport, as well as laminar and turbulent flows.
In addition, given the software-engineering challenges of the project, experience in computer programming is essential. Successful completion of the project also requires the ability to simplify the underlying equations and to predict qualitative trends prior to performing computer simulations.
Experience with numerical methods for solving partial differential equations as well as with lattice-Boltzmann and phase-field methods would be advantageous but is not mandatory.
We offer:
Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr, Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team, A job in the heart of the lively Ruhr metropolitan region with its diverse cultural offerings
Further information:
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at (in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.
RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.
Contact persons for further information:
Prof. Dr. Fathollah Varnik Tel.: +49 234 32 14989
Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-04-20. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5601.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
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