Join the DESIRE MSCA Doctoral Network as a PhD researcher to develop innovative virtual chemistry models for ammonia and methanol combustion. Work across Paris and Milan, collaborate with industry, and earn a joint doctorate in a cutting-edge European research environment.
🔥 PhD Opportunity in Virtual Chemistry for Ammonia and Methanol Combustion!
We are currently seeking an outstanding and highly motivated candidate for the DC1 PhD position within the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network DESIRE (Decarbonising Energy-intenSive Industries with REnewable synthetic fuels), funded by the European Union.
🔬 Project Title:
Development of a Reduced Virtual Chemical Scheme for Modeling Combustion of NH₃ & CH₃OH, Including Pollutant Formation
📍 Host Institution:
CentraleSupélec – Université Paris-Saclay, Paris (France)
🧑🏫 Main Supervisor: Prof. Benoît Fiorina
📍 Second Institution:
Politecnico di Milano, Milan (Italy)
🧑🏫 Co-Supervisor: Prof. Alberto Cuoci
🏭 Industrial Secondment:
A 3-month research period at Safran Tech, a global leader in aerospace propulsion and equipment.
🧭 Objectives:
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Develop and validate a novel virtual chemistry mechanism for ammonia and methanol combustion.
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Optimize this mechanism using genetic algorithms, based on detailed 1D flame archetypes and focusing on temperature, heat release, and NOₓ emissions.
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Implement the scheme in a CFD solver and apply it to simulate both laminar and turbulent flames.
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Transfer the technology to the industrial partner Safran.
📅 Starting Date:
Between November and December 2025
📌 Eligibility & Requirements:
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Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, or related fields before November 2025.
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Good background in numerical modeling and chemical reaction engineering.
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Experience with CFD codes (OpenFOAM, ANSYS, etc.) or numerical tools is strongly preferred.
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Familiarity with programming languages such as C++, Python, MATLAB or FORTRAN is a plus, though not mandatory.
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Fluency in English (spoken and written).
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Mobility rule: candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to recruitment.
🎓 Double Doctorate:
The selected candidate will be enrolled in both Université Paris-Saclay and Politecnico di Milano, receiving a joint PhD degree upon successful completion.
🌐 More Info about the DESIRE Project:
Visit the DESIRE website for full details on the consortium, training programme, and research objectives.
📩 How to Apply:
If you are interested and meet the requirements, please contact Prof. Benoît Fiorina (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and/or Prof. Alberto Cuoci (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) as soon as possible for more information. Selected candidates will be invited to submit a full application and attend an interview.
🚀 Don’t miss this unique opportunity to work at the forefront of sustainable combustion modeling and industrial innovation!
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