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Job Description

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position is part of the Post Doctoral Fellows Association and has an initial appointment of one year.

This position has a comprehensive benefits package .

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The department is focused on advancing research and innovation in sustainable technologies and systems for cold climate regions. Current efforts include interdisciplinary work in greenhouse design, climate control, and energy optimization to support food security and sustainable agriculture. With a strong emphasis on applied research, the team collaborates across engineering disciplines to develop practical solutions for controlled environment agriculture, leveraging expertise in mechanical, electrical, environmental, and computer science fields.

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 a workplace that ensures access, develops community connections, 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.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct research on greenhouse climate control, energy optimization, and sustainable farming.
  • Develop analytical and numerical models for greenhouse operation.
  • Design and execute experiments in research greenhouses.
  • Analyze complex datasets using advanced statistical techniques.
  • Collaborate with researchers, students, and external partners.
  • Contribute to grant applications, reports, and academic publications

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 experimental in the research greenhouse, and modeling and simulation studies to investigate the effects of greenhouse climate and cultivation systems on crop development and production.

Application Instructions

To apply, please click the Apply Now button below and submit the following:

  • Cover Letter
  • Curriculum Vitae (instead of resume)
  • List of Publications
  • Academic Referral Letters

About Us

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 .

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.

About The Team

The Faculty of Engineering is one of North America’s top engineering schools, known for innovation, collaboration, and impact. It fosters an exceptional student experience through a holistic approach that combines technical excellence with emotional intelligence. With strong community engagement, interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to societal well-being, the faculty prepares students to lead in a rapidly evolving, global engineering landscape.