Doctoral Researcher

We are seeking a highly motivated Doctoral Researcher in thermal radiation modelling to join the Fire Safety Engineering research group in the Department of Civil Engineering at Aalto University. Your role and goals The successful candidate will conduct doctoral research at the intersection of fire safety and energy engineering. The research will focus on developing non-gray models for the radiative properties of multi-phase flows, with particular attention on the fuel particles in wildland fires. The research topics include: - Extending full-spectrum non-gray models for gases to solid particles - Experimental characterization of fuel particles using FTIR - Mathematical model formulation and programming - Model implementation in Fire Dynamics Simulator CFD code - Experimental validation of simulations - Machine learning for accelerated evaluation of radiative properties The doctoral degree will be awarded upon successful completion of advanced doctoral coursework (30 ECTS), preparation of an article-based doctoral dissertation, and a successful public defence of the thesis. During the duration of the doctoral studies, the researcher will be expected to publish in leading academic journals and high-level scientific conferences, engage in teaching-related duties, actively participate in the research group activities, assist in the preparation of new research proposals, and help to advise master’s students during the preparation of their final project. The primary workplace is Aalto University’s Otaniemi campus, and the role requires regular on-site presence. Your network and team The Doctoral Researcher will be a member of the Fire Safety Engineering team at the Department of Civil Engineering, Building Performance research area. The doctoral studies and research will be supervised by Professor Simo Hostikka. Your experience and ambitions We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong background in heat transfer, mathematical methods in engineering physics, and a demonstrated interest in numerical methods, and high-performance computing. Applicants should hold a master’s degree with excellent academic performance in Mechanical Engineering, Technical Physics, or a closely related field. Additional studies or research experience in following will be considered an advantage: - Computational fluid dynamics simulations - Combustion - Scientific programming, including Fortran - Scientific writing and academic publishing - Machine learning methods Excellent written and fluent verbal communication skills in English are essential. Finnish proficiency is considered as an advantage. The successful candidate should enjoy working in an international and interdisciplinary research environment and be eager to engage with both methodological and applied research challenges. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are highly valued. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team is essential. Applicants must fulfill the eligibility and admission criteria for Aalto’s Doctoral Programme in Engineering. What we offer You will join a dynamic and supportive research group that values collaboration, curiosity, innovation, and academic excellence. The position provides outstanding opportunities for professional development and interdisciplinary learning. Within Aalto’s broader community of students, researchers and other professionals, you will receive support to build your career and to reach your professional goals. Our vast array of professional development opportunities means you will grow and learn, having the chance to participate actively in staff trainings and development projects based on your interests and needs. The preferred starting date is in December 2026 / January 2027. The initial contract period is 2 years, evaluated by a compulsory midterm review during the second year. Successful evaluation leads to the second two-year contract. The salary range, terms, and conditions are based on a collective bargaining agreement among Finnish universities. The starting salary is 3143 €/month (gross) and increases as the Doctoral Researcher progresses in their research and studies.