PhD Position in Computational Fluid Dynamics of Nearshore Processes
James Heiss
PhD Position in Computational Fluid Dynamics of Nearshore Processes - University of Massachusetts Lowell
The Department of Environmental, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Lowell invites applications for a fully funded PhD position beginning in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027. The position is supported by a three-year National Science Foundation research grant. The successful applicant will join a multidisciplinary effort investigating physical transport and mixing at the groundwater–surface water interface in the nearshore zone. Coastal groundwater is an important source of freshwater, nutrients, carbon, and other dissolved constituents to estuaries and the coastal ocean. This work integrates coastal field observations with high-resolution computational fluid dynamics modeling. The PhD student will participate in field investigations and develop CFD models as part of their dissertation. The student will work in a collaborative environment spanning hydrogeology, fluid dynamics, oceanography, and coastal science. Opportunities include presenting research at scientific conferences, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and mentoring undergraduate researchers. The position includes a competitive stipend and full tuition support.
Location:
UMass Lowell is located in Lowell, Massachusetts, USA and is 40 minutes from Boston, one hour from the Atlantic coast, and 90 minutes from the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Eligibility
Ideal candidates will be highly motivated, organized, and quantitative, with strong written and oral communication skills. Applicants should have:
- A bachelor's or master's degree in hydrology, engineering, geoscience, oceanography, physics, or related discipline.
- Experience with scientific programming (e.g., Python or MATLAB).
- Experience or interest in computational fluid dynamics and high-performance cluster computing.
- Experience or interest in coastal ocean and surf zone field investigations.
- A demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
Application:
Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. James Heiss at james...@uml.edu before submitting a formal graduate application. In the email please include: 1) a brief statement describing your research interests and previous research experience, 2) a CV, and unofficial academic transcripts.