Mohammad Saeedi

Dalhousie University, in collaboration with Université Grenoble Alpes, is offering a fully funded PhD position in the interdisciplinary field of Wind-Assisted Maritime Propulsion. The research focuses on high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the development of dynamic modeling for autonomous sailing and navigation. The project aims to develop accurate aerodynamic models to support automatic sail decision-making under variable wind and sea conditions, contributing to the decarbonization of maritime transport by harnessing wind energy. The successful candidate will work on CFD simulation of flow around sails, integrating physics-based dynamic modeling for real-time sail control. The research will involve experimental validation using wind-tunnel tests and small-scale autonomous sailboats, with opportunities to collaborate with the Advanced Control and Mechatronics Laboratory (ACM Lab) at Dalhousie and the Infinity team at Université Grenoble Alpes. The project will also include the development of physics-informed performance maps, reduced-order models, and data-driven learning methods tailored to real-time measurements. The PhD is fully funded for up to 4 years through NSERC and the French National Research Agency, with additional support for conference travel. Applicants must have a Master's degree and a strong background in CFD, dynamic modeling, simulation, and implementation. Experience with RANS, LES, and DES CFD techniques is highly desirable. The candidate may also have the opportunity to spend time as a visiting research graduate student in France. To apply, send your CV to Dr. Mohammad Saeedi or Dr. Emmanuel Witrant. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. For more information, visit the ACM Lab and Infinity team web pages.

Mohammad Saeedi, Assistant Professor at Dalhousie University, is seeking a graduate student to join his lab in the area of computational turbulence with a focus on vessel hydrodynamics. This opportunity is supported by a local grant and is ideal for students interested in fluid dynamics, mechanical engineering, and naval architecture. The research will involve computational approaches to understanding turbulence phenomena as they relate to vessel performance and hydrodynamics. Applicants must already be located in Canada and be able to start promptly due to funding and administrative deadlines. The position is open to graduate students, with a preference for those with relevant backgrounds in computational methods, turbulence modeling, or hydrodynamics. Interested candidates should prepare a CV and a brief background statement outlining their experience and interest in the field. Funding is provided through a local grant, though specific details regarding stipend or tuition coverage are not disclosed in the announcement. The position is based at Dalhousie University, a leading Canadian institution with strong research programs in engineering and applied sciences. To apply, candidates should email their CV and background statement directly to Professor Saeedi. Only shortlisted applicants will receive a response. This is an excellent opportunity for students passionate about computational fluid dynamics and vessel hydrodynamics to gain hands-on research experience in a dynamic academic environment.