Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Associate

A postdoctoral research associate is required in the Engineering for Agri-Environment Lab, led by Md Sazan Rahman, in the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems at the University of New Hampshire, to carry out key research in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). The research activities include, among others, modeling and simulation of microclimate dynamics in controlled environment agriculture, precision monitoring and management of temperature and humidity, and the development of predictive environmental control frameworks to improve productivity and resource efficiency.

The candidate will be supervised by Dr. Md Sazan Rahman in conducting the research and will collaborate with researchers and specialists across the University of New Hampshire, Cooperative Extension, and regional growers engaged in sustainable protected agriculture.

Duties/Responsibilities

• The postdoctoral researcher will lead research on the advanced simulation of temperature and moisture dynamics in protected agriculture systems, encompassing moisture generation, transpiration, and dynamics in air and substrate.
• The postdoctoral researcher will develop and validate computational models of CEA heat and moisture transfer using platforms such as ANSYS Fluent, TRANSYS, COMSOL Multiphysics, and/or other relevant simulation software.
• The position also involves working with growers to provide technical assistance for on-farm environmental management and enriching the HVAC-related research program in the EAE lab.

Requirements

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience:

• A Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Biosystems/Bioresource/Biological Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Research and Outreach Skills:

• Strong research experience in modeling of heat and moisture transfer, environmental simulation, and microclimate management in protected agriculture.
• Experience with calibration of environmental sensors and systems integration, data collection, and analysis.
• Demonstrated record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

Programming and Computing Skills:

• Experience using TRANSYS, ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL Multiphysics, or similar platforms for thermal and fluid dynamics simulations.
• Strong programming skills in MATLAB, Python, R, or similar.
• Machine learning or data-driven modeling experience applied to environmental control systems is preferred.

Additional Experience:

• Proficiency with data acquisition systems (e.g., LabVIEW, CRBasic).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience designing and conducting laboratory and field experiments.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and supervise graduate and undergraduate students.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines.
• A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel regionally are preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Any previous work/research experience in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) field will be an asset.
• Candidates who are already staying inside the USA will be preferred; however, international candidates will also be encouraged to apply.

Compensation Pay Range:

• 45,000-51,000
• The rank of the selected candidate will depend upon the candidate’s qualifications.
• Please be advised that this position is supported by external sponsor funding. As such, continued employment in this role is contingent upon the availability of those external funds. If, for any reason, the sponsor funding is reduced or discontinued, employment may be subject to modification or termination in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.

Location

Durham

Salary Grade: Faculty 01