A Researcher on Computational Fluid Dynamic modeling for hydrogen sector

Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK) is a private research institution devoted to excellence in research in numerous disciplines and designated to the role of keeping the Autonomous Province of Trento in the mainstream of European and international research. Each research area is assigned to a specific research center, of which there are twelve totals. Information regarding the research centers, their activities and production is available at http://www.fbk.eu/research-centers .

Workplace

The Centre on Sustainable Energy (SE) supports the development of efficient devices and methods for generating, storing, and distributing energy solutions with low environmental impact. This is achieved by taking an energy sustainability approach that respects the environment and quality of life, while minimising health and environmental pollution. The ground for the Centre on "Sustainable Energy" is based on the Decarbonization targets, which will require more flexibility in the energy system through new gas and power grids,using energy vectors and storage solutions to enable the broad penetration of renewable energy sources..

The HYdrogen Technologies and Resilient Energy Systems unit (HyRES) is a dedicated research and development unit at the forefront of advancing hydrogen technology and resilient energy systems. With a primary focus on hydrogen, the unit works diligently to innovate the future energy grid, making it more intelligent and capable of integrating renewable sources. A central goal is to ensure energy resilience and security, particularly in collaboration with industrial partners. The unit's research encompasses various aspects, including hydrogen production, storage and end uses, all with the overarching aim of reducing the carbon footprint of energy systems and positively impacting the energy market, making it more sustainable and secure for the future.

The HYRES unit is involved in the following European projects, which industrial consultants and others have granted, concerning characterisation activities on low—and high-temperature fuel and electrolyser cells.

FBK actively seeks diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is also committed to promoting gender equality. To promote the inclusion of disabled staff as per law 68/99, the Foundation is available and interested in evaluating the applications received for technical-scientific domains that do not correspond exactly to this call.

Job Description

HyRES Unit is seeking a researcher with specialised expertise in the H2 (hydrogen) sector to support the projects and activities outlined below. The selected candidate will be responsible for:

• Develop models and perform numerical simulation about Multiphysics domains in fuel cell and electrolyzer:
• Fluid dynamics and astrochemistry in electrode package
• Leakage of gas and dilution
• H2 and blend combustion
• Validate models (tuning parameters and mathematical relations) in collaboration with testing and characterization teams;
• Establish tools and workflow in the unit about multiphasic simulations for H2 sector, including the management of computational effort.

Job Requirements

The ideal candidate should possess should have:

• MSc in Mechanical engineering, Chemical engineering, Energy engineering or a related field;
• Proficiency in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD);
• Expertise in static and dynamic numerical analysis;
• Proficiency in OPEN FOAM software (coding, solver, post processing and mesh creation) or commercial tool as Ansys Fluent, Comsol Multiphysics or similar;
• Experience in implicit and explicit numerical analysis, like finite element analysis (FEA) or equivalent, and mesh creation;
• Good modelling practices, attention to details, and commitment to verification and validation;
• Proven experience in the Hydrogen sector focuses on hydrogen production technology (electrolyzer, methane cracking and SMR), hydrogen handling (transport, distribution, and storage) or hydrogen uses (burner, boiler, fuel cell, etc);
• Team-oriented with excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Good knowledge of written and spoken English;
• Self-motivated and results driven.

Furthermore, the following qualifications will be positively evaluated:

• PhD in Mechanical engineering, Chemical engineering, Energy engineering or a related field;
• Proficiency in writing simple codes in C++ or Python or at least one programming language.

Employment

T ype of contract : fixed-term contract

Working hours : full time (38 hours per week)

Gross annual salary : From about 38,500 to about 44,000 depending on background and expertise in the field, plus objectives achievements bonus

Start date : August 2025

Duration : 24 months with the possibility of extending the contract depending on funding

Workplace : Povo (Trento) and Rovereto

Benefits : flexi-time, company subsidized cafeteria or meal vouchers, internal car park, welcome office support for visa formalities, accommodation, supplementary pension and health funds, training courses, public transport, sports facilities, language course fees. Further details at https://www.fbk.eu/en/work-with-us/

Application:

Interested candidates must submit their application by completing the online form ( https://jobs.fbk.eu/ ). Please make sure that your application contains the following attachments (in pdf format):

• Detailed CV
• Cover Letter (explaining your motivation for this specific position)

Application deadline : 7th of July 2025

Please read our Recruitment Regulations before completing your application.

For further information, please contact the Human Resources Services at j obs@fbk.eu .