Post Doctoral Fellow, Intelligent Design & Operation for Built Environment (IDOBE)

Competition 2140

This position is part of the Post Doctoral Fellows Association and has an initial appointment for Summer 2025, with a term of 12 months (possibility of extension upon availability of funding and satisfactory performance).

This position has a comprehensive benefits package.

Location -  This role is a hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at North Campus, University of Alberta, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, IDOBE lab: https://idobe.engineering.ualberta.ca/

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

About the opportunity

IDOBE group at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, has an opening for a Postdoc to support the research group in multiple projects related to Greenhouse design, operation, and monitoring for cold climate.  This is a unique opportunity to join a vibrant academic environment and play an integral role in advancing research initiatives. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace that celebrates individual differences and promotes a culture of belonging.

Position Overview:

The successful candidate will work in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering with Dr. Yuxiang Chen. The ideal applicant will have demonstrated expertise in modeling, design, and operation of sustainable buildings, communities, and their systems. Solid knowledge and experience in advanced statistical approaches for analyzing complex datasets are highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Applicants should have a PhD degree (or expect to obtain a PhD) in a relevant engineering-related discipline (mechanical, electrical, environmental, or computer science); received in the last five years.
• Highly motivated, well-organized, and passionate about research, with strong communication skills in English and a proven record of publications.
• Experience with climate management and optimization of greenhouse energy consumption is a plus
• Familiarity with greenhouse conditions and plant growth analysis
• Knowledge of control environment agriculture, sustainable system design
• Experience in planning and executing the greenhouse trails and crop monitoring
• Knowledge or experience in greenhouse technology/horticulture

You will be part of the IDOBE research team, collaborating to understand and enhance greenhouse cultivation in both urban and rural settings. Your work will focus on developing sustainable greenhouse farming, including greenhouse design, climate control, and energy systems. The research encompasses laboratory experiments, collecting data and performing experimentals in the research greenhouse, and modeling and simulation studies to investigate the effects of greenhouse climate and cultivation systems on crop development and production.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Tabinda Shakeel at tabinda@ualberta.ca, for further information regarding the position.

To apply, please submit the following documents in one .PDF document:

• A cover letter.
• A detailed academic CV, including the names of at least three references (one of whom should be your PhD supervisor).
• Two recent and relevant publications related to the position.

Please note: All qualified applications will be forwarded to Dr. Yuxiang Chen in the Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Alberta, for thorough evaluation.