Research Project: Design, Simulation and Development of a Vanilla Curing Unit
About the Project:
The Department of Materials Technology and the Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, are collaborating with an industry partner in conducting research on the postharvest processing of vanilla, including the design and development of a dedicated vanilla curing unit. The project involves evaluating the curing unit through simulation (thermal and airflow modelling) prior to physical fabrication, followed by the design and building of the physical unit and its controls. The project is funded under NSF, and one (01) Research Assistant position is available for immediate recruitment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop CAD (SolidWorks/AutoCAD) models and simulate the proposed curing unit (thermal, humidity and airflow behaviour) prior to fabrication.
- Assist in the mechanical design, fabrication, and assembly of the physical curing unit.
- Carry out electrical/control and basic automation/control setup.
- Integrate and calibrate temperature and humidity sensors, and validate performance against simulation results.
- Maintain accurate laboratory, design, and testing records.
- Support meeting of research targets, reporting, and related project and publication activities..
Required Qualifications:
Applicants should possess a BSc Eng. / BTech / BET degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical, Materials Technology/Science and Engineering, Agricultural Engineering or a related discipline.
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in CAD/CAE or thermal simulation software (e.g. ANSYS, COMSOL, SolidWorks), electrical/control wiring, machine design, or postharvest/food processing equipment.
Duration: 06 months
Monthly Salary: LKR 50,000
Work Location:
Department of Materials Technology, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV to Prof. Chathuranga Bamunuarachchige (tcbamunu@tec.rjt.ac.lk), Principal Investigator, Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. With cc to Eng. W. D. C. Weerasinghe, Co-Principal Investigator, Department of Materials Technology (dcweeras@tec.rjt.ac.lk), with the subject “RA Position for Vanilla Curing Unit”.
