In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) starting on 01.10.2026, we are looking for a

TRR/SFB 287 – Scientific Assistant (m/f/x) Project S

The Chair of Thermal Turbomachines and Aeroengines in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Ruhr University Bochum (LSTTF) is among the leading research groups in Germany in the field of numerical modelling and simulation of energy transformation systems. Cutting-edge numerical and experimental research is carried out, covering a broad spectrum of topics from classic turbomachinery aerothermodynamics, aeroelastics, two-phase flows and non-ideal compressible fluid dynamics. Within a strongly interdisciplinary set of projects (TRR/SFB 287 https://bulk-reaction.de/ and https://bulk-reaction.de/central-projects/

• particularly Subproject S), the transport and reaction dynamics in reacting fixed beds of arbitrary morphology will be investigated numerically as well as experimentally in order to derive general models for a seamless simulation of the solid, free gas- and interstitial phase in large scale systems. One of the major objectives of this collaborative project is the realisation of an open-source simulation platform based on the open-source solver OpenFOAM where pre- and post-processing functionalities are integrated in a unique simulation environment hence allowing a systematic evaluation of experimental data and at the same time the realisation of a strongly automatized numerical validation and verification system.

Scope: full-time Duration: fixed-term, until 30.06.2028 (end of project) Start: starting on 01.10.2026 Apply by: 2026-08-15

Your tasks:

• Realisation of the open-source SFB computational platform based on OpenFOAM in collaboration with projects C6 and C7
• Integration and further development of input/output and specific pre-/post-processing functionalities, also in form of a Graphical User Interface (GUI)
• Design and implementation of integrated validation/verification strategies for all physical models implemented in the solver in collaboration with projects C6 and C7
• Design and implementation of parallelisation paradigms (also hybrid CPU/GPU) as well as optimisation of the parallelisation efficiency
• Analysis, design and implementation of Data Assimilation Strategies in collaboration especially with project C6

Your profile:

The ideal candidate will possess a Degree (up to Doctorate) in Computing Science, Engineering or Mathematics and have a deep knowledge of C++ Programming.

Familiarity with OpenFOAM-MPPICFoam is highly desirable.

Required are especially a proven experience in: Collaborative software development environments (Git, GitLab); Continuous integration testing methods; Python and shell scripting; Parallelisation and optimisation techniques (GPU/CPU); GUI Programming and visualisation techniques and tools (e.g. VTK)

Excellent knowledge of German and English in word and writing is required (TOEFL/GRE/C1 certificates required). The ability to work in a dynamic and enthusiastic team, a strong self-motivation and to effectively communicate with the other research groups involved in the project are indispensable assets.

[https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/fd3c12822395dd9054d8c8d66c4c678d76b75ad70?ref=AfA](https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/fd3c12822395dd9054d8c8d66c4c678d76b75ad70?ref=AfA)