The Energy Systems Laboratory in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Rice University has an open postdoctoral research associate position, supervised by Dr. Laura Schaefer. The position will have a flexible start date around July 2022. The selected candidate will be expected to lead research in the analysis, design and optimization of energy systems. This position will rely upon a solid basis of computational thermal/fluids modeling, integrated with cutting-edge machine learning techniques, for application in topics such as the water-energy nexus; cogeneration system heat and mass transfer modeling; the multiphase, multicomponent lattice Boltzmann method; increased efficiency in energy conversion and utilization; and fluid and heat transfer properties of complex fluids in complicated geometries.
The ideal candidate should have strong written and oral communication skills, evidenced by their previous publications and presentations. As a key senior team member, the candidate will also be expected to aid in the supervision of junior lab members (both graduate students and undergraduate researchers) and in the preparation of research proposals to federal agencies and industry. The candidate will be mentored in application for competitive internal and external postdoctoral fellowships, as well as future faculty positions.
We are seeking candidates who have demonstrated ability to lead and/or work collaboratively in teams comprised of individuals of diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. We seek greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans in disciplines in which they have historically been underrepresented; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought; and we support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.
The George R. Brown School of Engineering ranks among the top 20 of undergraduate engineering programs (US News & World Report) and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff and students in an inclusive environment.
