Researcher (LWE)

Description

Title:  Researcher (LWE)
Position Number:  Pending Position Clearance
Hiring Unit:  College of Engineering
Department:  Dean’s Office
Location: Hilo, Hawaii
Date Posted:  October 25, 2024
Closing Date:  Continuous, first review date November 30, 2024
Salary: Minimum; $ 72,360 annually; $ 6,030 monthly  
Appointment Type:  11 Month
Tenure Track:  Non-Tenure
Full Time/Part Time:  Full-Time
Temporary/Permanent:  Temporary.  Renewal is dependent upon availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

The Dean’s Office seeks applicants for a non-tenure track Researcher to contribute to the understanding of fundamental processes occurring in the so-called Low Wind Effect (LWE) phenomenon that can be relevant to ground-based observatories and in particular direct observation of exoplanets. While the project is largely computational/modeling in nature, we anticipate the opportunity to directly test preliminary results within an observatory setting, and to participate in an international collaboration with researchers at the von Karman Institute in Belgium. The position will report directly to Dr. Aurélia Charrier (charrier@hawaii.edu) and is physically based in Hilo, Hawaii.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develop numerical models for Low Wind Effect phenomena, including simulating the temperature evolution of relevant secondary mirror components and the surrounding atmospheric environment
2. Design mitigation strategies that can be potentially tested in an observatory setting.
3. Design experimental studies including relevant sensors to directly measure instrument-specific aberrations.
4. Provide mentorship for graduate research assistants and undergraduate student employees.
5. Participate in preparing project reports, research proposals, technical reports, and journal articles.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Physics or related disciplines from a college or university of recognized standing.
2. Strong background in thermal and aerodynamic modeling.
3. Proficiency in computation fluid dynamics (CFD) and related software (e.g. ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or equivalent).
4. Experience with Python coding.
5. Excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
6. Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
7. Accuracy, alertness and adaptability.
8. Professionalism in meeting and conferring with others.
9. Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with students and/or assistants when appropriate.
10. Ability to assist with generating research reports, publications and grant proposals.

Desirable Qualifications

1. Doctoral degree (or ABD) in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Physics or related disciplines from a college or university of recognized standing.
2. Knowledge of image processing tools.
3. Experience in thermal measurements.

To Apply:
Only electronic applications are accepted via NEOGOV. Applications received after the review by date will only be considered if the position is not filled.

Click on the “Apply” button on the top right corner of the NEOGOV screen to complete an application and attach required documents to the online application. The applicants should submit:
(1) a cover letter specifying the position how they meet the minimum qualifications;
(2) a curriculum vitae detailing education, employment history and publications
(3) graduate transcripts (unofficial copies accepted, however, official transcripts will be required upon hire); and
(4) the names, addresses, e-mail, and telephone numbers of 3 references.

NOTE: If you have not applied for a position before using NEOGOV, you will need to create an account. The maximum file size to upload/attach is 10MB. If the attachment is larger than 10MB, please split the file and upload it as a supplemental attachment.

Inquiries:
Dr. Aurélia Charrier (charrier@hawaii.edu)

EEO/AA, Clery Act, ADA

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, genetic information, marital status, breastfeeding, income assignment for child support, arrest and court record (except as permissible under State law), sexual orientation, domestic or sexual violence victim status, national guard absence, or status as a covered veteran.  For more information or inquiries regarding these policies, please refer to the following link: http://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/eeo-coordinators/

Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.

Accommodation Request:  The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly.  Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.  For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/

Salary : $72,360