PRR Project

Summary

CFTC is a R&D unit that leads nationally, and it is recognized internationally in the study of Structural and Dynamical properties of Soft Matter. Its research is held at a very high quantitative and qualitative levels, as measured by the regular publications in top journals, international collaborations, and the attraction of competitive funding and highly qualified young researchers. The research in Soft Matter contributes significantly to the visibility of Portugal in fundamental science and paves the way for new technologies through ongoing collaborations with industry. To consolidate the high-impact research activity in this field, we have an ambitious research plan, with very high potential impact, combined with goals of moderate risk, to balance the scientific output. We will build on in-house expertise in theoretical, computational, and experimental physics, and look for complementary expertise by hiring new young integrated members.Soft Matter is usually in solution and hydrodynamic effects play a central role in the nonequilibrium dynamics. For simplicity, most models have neglected those effects, but they need to be considered, especially for insightful comparisons with experimental results and partnerships with industry. Also, from filtering to biomedical devices, there has been a growing interest in natural and technical systems where soft matter flows through a network of narrow channels. These are usually complex fluids where the rheological responses depend strongly on the nature of their constituents and confinement. We have developed new Lattice-Boltzmann methods to deal with hydrodynamic effects, flexible particles, wettability, and time-dependent boundary conditions, which are instrumental to the collective dynamics of soft matter systems under confinement. We aim to hire a highly skilled assistant researcher with expertise in numerical modeling of Fluid Dynamics, with experience in the study of simple and complex fluids, particle transport phenomena, and/or transport in porous media. Given the industrial relevance of this area, the ability of potential candidates to establish partnerships with industry should be a factor to consider.This is a relevant area for industry and investing in basic and advanced training in this area is strategic for a competitive training offer with its own identity. At this moment, a graduate in Physics from the Faculty of Sciences has solid training in Fluid Dynamics acquired within the scope of a specific (mandatory) curricular unit and additional training in fluid simulation techniques (finite volumes and Lattice Boltzmann) in the curricular unit of Computational Physics. This combination is unique in Physics training in Portugal (and beyond). This position is also expected to contribute to the ongoing effort to promote advanced training at the host institution.The validation and parametrization of these models require the comparison with experiments which, although relatively simple, are not always available. This position will be followed by a new one for a researcher with complementary skills in experiments in the field of Fluid Dynamics, to be open one year later.