The School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Virginia is 
seeking qualified candidates for PhD positions in a newly established 
multidisciplinary research center. Research at the Center is focused on 
supercomputer simulations of extreme conditions experienced by hypersonic 
vehicles and quantifying the overall uncertainty. Candidates will perform 
research in algorithm and software development in the CFD and Propulsion 
Laboratory, a participating lab in the Center.  

The candidates will be responsible for the development and maintenance of 
predictive software components, support integration into the full system, and 
assist with full-system testing and analysis. PhD students can expect to work 
with a multidisciplinary and multi-university team involving engineers, computer 
scientists, and applied mathematicians constructing a full-system package 
comprising predictive software, data analytics, and machine learning.  

All GRAs will attend conferences during the project time, such as AIAA SciTech 
Forum and/or Supercomputing. In addition, the students will spend at least one 
period of ten contiguous weeks collaborating at one of the three NNSA National 
Laboratories. 

We have several openings in the following research areas: 
1. Adaptive mesh refinement and scale-bridging using AI 
2. Interactions of non-equilibrium dynamics and turbulence 
3. Data assimilation with maximum likelihood ensemble smoother 
4. Direct simulation Monte Carlo at rarefied hypersonic conditions 
5. Ablation and radiation modeling 
6. Applied numerical and mathematical analysis 

Nature of Positions: 
The positions are best suited for students who are adept at math, have strong 
interest in highly logistical programming, keep abreast of new computing 
architectures, and are passionate about aerospace engineering. Applications 
should include a demonstration of this interest; examples might include software 
development through work or studies, or hobbies such as programming games. The 
selected candidate will be funded throughout the PhD study. 

Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities: 
1. B.S./M.S. in Aerospace Sciences & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, 
Computer Science, or Applied Mathematics 
2. Strong and demonstrated interest in programming 
3. Background in CFD, computational methods, or computing 
4. Interpersonal communication skills necessary to work effectively in a team 
environment 
5. Good technical writing and oral presentation skills in English 

Desired Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities: 
1. Experience in the development of numerical algorithms for partial 
differential equations 
2. Experience with the design, implementation, deployment, and maintenance of 
software 
3. Experience with Linux and high-performance computing 
4. Experience with scientific computing applications 

Application:  
These positions are open only to U.S. persons and do not offer visa sponsorship.  
Please apply online at https://www.virginia.edu/.  
Questions regarding these positions should be directed to Professor Xinfeng Gao 
(x.gao@virginia.edu).