Open to opportunities

Sunil Kumar

@sunilkumar18

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Researcher and DEM specialist focused on particle dynamics, simulation, and ML-driven analysis.

Poland

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What I'm looking for

I seek research-focused roles applying DEM and ML to particulate systems, supportive collaborative teams, and opportunities for experimental–computational integration and academic-industry impact.

I am a researcher and engineer specializing in Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations, particle and powder dynamics, and machine learning–driven data analysis. I combine experimental design with high-performance computing to investigate mixing, segregation, and breakage of non-spherical particles.

My recent work includes numerical analysis of lunar soil excavation processes and DEM validation using experimental repose angle, shear, triaxial, and cutting tests, and preliminary DEM studies on particle breakage in vibro-fluidized beds. I have extensive hands-on experience designing and running experiments (rotating drums, vibrating packed beds, fluidized beds) and building non-spherical particle models.

I authored multiple Q1 journal publications, presented at international conferences (DEM9, PARTEC, FMFP), secured competitive travel funding, and obtained research grants. I am proficient with LIGGGHTS, Altair EDEM, Rocky-DEM, Python (NumPy, Pandas), Paraview, and image analysis tools.

I bring teaching and mentoring experience, having served as a teaching assistant, assistant professor, and mentor for award-winning students, and I seek collaborative, high-impact research roles that bridge simulation, experiments, and applied ML for particulate systems.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Adjunct Professor

Current

AGH University of Science and Technology

Dec 2024 - Present (9 months)

Leading DEM-based numerical analysis of lunar soil excavation processes and validating models against experimental repose, shear, triaxial, and blade-cutting tests in collaboration with Polish Space Research Center and University of Warmia and Mazury.

Discrete Element Method Granular Mechanics Python HPC

Project AI Scientist

Turing Enterprises Inc.

Jul 2024 - Dec 2024 (5 months)

Delivered contractual AI engineering for OpenAI and Anthropic by designing structured datasets, creating high-difficulty evaluation benchmarks, and developing domain-specific challenge tasks for LLM assessment.

LLM Benchmarking Data Extraction Python

Postdoctoral Fellow

IIT Bombay

Sep 2024 - Dec 2024 (3 months)

Conducted DEM studies on breakage of non-spherical particles in a vibro-fluidized bed using LIGGGHTS, producing preliminary simulation results to inform particle breakage mechanisms.

Discrete Element Method Particle Breakage Python Data Analysis HPC

PhD Researcher

IIT Roorkee

Dec 2018 - Jul 2024 (5 years 7 months)

Investigated segregation of non-spherical particles in rotating drums combining experiments and DEM, authored 11 Q1 journal papers, established particle technology lab, and secured research travel funding.

Discrete Element Method Altair EDEM Experimental Design Machine Learning Python ParaView ImageJ

Assistant Professor

DAV University

Aug 2018 - Dec 2018 (4 months)

Taught undergraduate chemical engineering courses, managed departmental timetables and examinations, and organized the annual techno-cultural festival for ~50 students.

Teaching Process Engineering Transport Phenomena Event Management

Assistant Engineer

MSJ Bath Fitting and Accessories Pvt. Ltd

Aug 2015 - Jun 2016 (10 months)

Led R&D to optimize fluid flow in water-handling equipment and supervised paint unit operations with responsibility for a 50-person workforce to improve efficiency and quality.

R&D Team Supervision Troubleshooting Quality Control Mechanical Systems

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee

Doctor of Philosophy, Chemical Engineering

2018 - 2024

Grade: 8.4/10.0

Activities and societies: Thesis work at Particle Technology Research Laboratory; authored multiple Q1 journal papers; teaching assistant; conference presentations; research grants and travel funding.

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering focusing on segregation in rotating drums for nonspherical particles with extensive DEM simulations and experimental work.

Dr. SSB UICET, Panjab University

Master of Engineering, Chemical Engineering

2016 - 2018

Activities and societies: Polymer Composite Laboratory research; characterization using XRD, FTIR, SEM/FESEM, and UTM.

Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering with thesis on synthesis and characterization of nano-composite polyurethane foam using lignin and cellulose.