PhD opening (Research Assistant) at Collective Dynamics Lab
Position Overview:
The Collective Dynamics Lab (CDL) at Duke Kunshan University (DKU) is seeking applicants for one research assistant position working on ‘Multi-scale analysis of granular drag’. This project is supervised by Prof. Dr. Habil. Kai Huang (https://faculty.dukekunshan.edu.cn/faculty_profiles/kai-huang) in collaboration with Prof. Sergio Andres Galindo Torres at Westlake University. Our goal is to have a better understanding of drag force in complex fluids from the first principal perspective to shed light on widespread applications in geo- and environmental engineering, civil engineering, process engineering, pharmaceutics, etc. More specifically, laboratory experiments and numerical simulations are employed to have a systematic exploration of the drag force induced by (wet) granular matter. The successful candidate is expected to go through the PhD admission process and be enrolled as a PhD student starting in the fall of 2025 at Westlake University. While working at DKU, the perspective PhD students will have the opportunity to study abroad in collaborating groups in Europe as a visiting student, pending funding situations.
DKU is a partnership of Duke University, Wuhan University and the Municipality of Kunshan, China. The campus is located 37 miles west of Shanghai in Kunshan, which is connected to Shanghai via a 20-minute high-speed train. It is a 45-minute ride from Shanghai Hongqiao, the biggest public transportation hub in Yangtze Delta Region. Its modern and green campus with LEED certificated buildings hosts more than 2000 students from 70+ different countries. DKU currently offers selective graduate programs as well as a highly interdisciplinary undergraduate program. For more info, please visit http://www.dukekunshan.edu.cn. The CDL at DKU aims at understanding, predicting and controlling the collective behavior of granular materials by means of lab experiments and numerical simulations, in order to shed light on a wide range of applications: From the prediction of natural disasters in geoscience to the enhancement of energy efficiency in industries. For more info, please visit: http://sites.duke.edu/dukecdl/.
This research assistant (PhD) position is initially for five years (four years for candidates with a master’s degree) with the possibility of extending it for one more year. Based on previous work on projectile impact on dry granular materials under gravity, this project aims at a better understanding of the influence of control parameters including gravity, cohesive forces between individual particles, etc. by means of lab experiments and numerical simulations. The goal is to shed light on a fundamental understanding of drag force induced by widespread granular materials in nature. In addition to research, the successful candidate will have the opportunity of serving as graduate teaching assistant for fundamental level science courses and supervising undergraduate research. This endeavor will be supported by faculty members and the center for teaching and learning at DKU. As a joint-venture university with students coming from more than 70 different countries, the official language on campus is English.
Qualifications:
- Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in physics, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, geoscience, fluid mechanics or relevant disciplines.
- Good English communication skills, both verbal and written. Please provide a certificate of standard tests such as TOFEL and IELTS if available. Published work with substantial contributions from the candidate is also a good alternative.
- Solid experience in experimental or numerical set-up design, image analysis, data handling.
- Software skills in one or more of the following: C++, Matlab, or Python.
- Research experience in particulate materials, complex fluids, DEM simulations or statistical mechanics is a plus, but not a prerequisite.
How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and cover letter (in English) with the subject line of “PhD at CDL” to kh380@duke.edu. The review of applicants will start on Feb. 17 and will continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
