The University of Maryland, College Park is recruiting one or more PhD students to work in combustion and fire research starting in the summer or fall semester, 2017. Several projects related to the physics of wildland fires including ignition, spread, instabilities and fire whirls are ongoing, primarily experimental. Strong experimental and/or analytical skills are desired in combustion, fluid dynamics and heat transfer.
Students must be admitted into the Ph.D. Program in either Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering. Prof. Michael Gollner from the Department of Fire Protection Engineering will advise selected students on Ph.D. research while working in the laboratories of the Department of Fire Protection Engineering. While previous research experience is desired, a passion for discovery and a strong fundamental background is most important. Prior experience in fire is not required, but interest in uncovering the processes controlling this multiphysics problem (fluid dynamics, combustion, heat transfer, etc.) is.
Benefits
This position(s) includes funding for a stipend, tuition, and health insurance.
Requirements
All students applying must meet all minimum requirements for admission to the University through the Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering Departments. Most students choose to be advised through Mechanical Engineering. A summary of minimum requirements are:

1. Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited college or university (or equivalent from a foreign institution)
2. At least a 3.0 G.P.A. (on a 4.0 scale) in a program of study in engineering, math, or physical science.
3. At least 3 letters of recommendation strongly supporting the applicant’s admission into the Graduate Program
4. An essay or statement of goals and experiences
5. A quantitative score for the GRE of at least 163, and an analytical writing score of at least 4.5.
6. For international applicants: please refer to UMD Grad School requirements (http://globalmaryland.umd.edu/offices/international-students-scholar-services/graduate-admissions)

More information can be found here: http://enme.umd.edu/grad/admissions
Timeline
Interviews will begin immediately with qualified candidates. A final decision is expected by the end of the calendar year. The priority deadline for admission with funding to the Department of Mechanical Engineering for fall, 2017 is January 13, 2017. The final deadlines are March 1, 2017 (international) and Mary 12, 2017 (US citizens and permanent residents).
Contact
Interested candidates should contact Prof. Gollner at mgollner@umd.edu with a brief statement of interest (in email), curriculum vitae, and publications/work (if relevant). Candidates are strongly encouraged to review ongoing research at https://www.gollnerfire.com prior to inquiring.