Job Details

Post Doctoral Scholar in AI for IEQ, Building Decarbonization, and Thermal Comfort in Extreme Climates

Position Number: 9909010
Location: Salt Lake City, United States
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Post Doctoral Scholar in AI for IEQ, Building Decarbonization, and Thermal Comfort in Extreme Climates

Job Summary

The School of Architecture (SoA) within the University of Utahs College of Architecture + Planning invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), Building Decarbonization, and Thermal Comfort in Extreme Climates. This is a full-time (1.0 FTE) position beginning January 1, 2027, and running through December 31, 2028. The SoA offers an accredited Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies (BAAS), a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies (BSAS), and a Master of Science in Architectural Studies (MSAS). In recent years, the program has developed a new integrated curriculum with a sequence of immersive design studios and integrated courses (technology, research, theory, design communication, etc.), building from bachelor to master to a capstone experience: a student-driven individual design project prepared and supported by architectural research. http://soa.cap.utah.edu.

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate a background in architecture or architectural engineering and research at the intersection of AI for indoor environmental quality, building decarbonization, thermal comfort in extreme climates, indoor air quality, innovative building envelopes, and building performance & optimization. The position also offers the successful candidate the opportunity to co-teach classes with the lead supervisor or independently teach elective or design courses.

Candidates should show commitment to promoting the core beliefs underpinning the University of Utah School of Architecture within the school, the college, the institution, and the design professions.

Candidates will be required to conduct quality research and produce scholarly work within an R1 university setting. Based on the expectations for this position, candidates will have an excellent research trajectory, must hold a Ph.D. degree, and be a strong team player.

Responsibilities

Carry out research in AI for IEQ, building decarbonization, and thermal comfort in extreme climates, indoor air quality, innovative building envelopes, building performance & optimization.
Conduct simulations and laboratory and field experiments in these areas of research interest.
Improve, develop, and utilize appropriate numerical modeling tools for thermal components and systems.
Develop experimental setups, conduct experiments (field work or lab work), and analyze results.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams composed of researchers from various areas of expertise at the University of Utah School of Architecture and other academic units (e.g., building science, computer science, games, health science, data science, civil or environmental engineering, etc.).
Relate and team up with researchers from universities, laboratories, and private industry.
Ability to work with large, high-dimensional datasets (IEQ, IAQ, Building Decarbonization, Thermal Comfort databases), including data preprocessing, integration, and harmonization.
Ability to lead and contribute to manuscripts for top and highly preferred journals and conferences.
Present research findings to the research team, funders, industry partners, and academia through invited talks, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed journal publications with high impact factors.
Support the team in the development and preparation of grant proposals.
Deliver SoA's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values.
Teaching up to 2 courses per academic year.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of AI or a subset of AI, numerical calculation, and statistical data analysis techniques is required.
Knowledge of IEQ, thermal comfort in extreme climates, indoor air quality, building decarbonization (life cycle assessments and energy use), smart building technology and monitoring, building science, heating and cooling technologies, and building and mechanical systems and controls is required.
Excellent oral and written communication skills to support regular interactions with partners, sponsors, and others and to prepare reports, research/grant proposals, publications, and journal articles are required.
Ability to conduct an in-depth literature review of existing research in the field.
Solid academic and research record in relevant modeling and experimental research.
Experience setting and conducting laboratory experiments.
Self-motivated and able to work individually and as part of a team.
Knowledge of EnergyPlus or other similar simulation software is required.

Preferences

A strong publication record is desired.
Knowledge of AI, especially machine learning/ deep learning software such as Python and PyTorch, is desired.
Programming experience in MATLAB, LabVIEW, C++, or similar tools will be an added advantage.
Experience with large datasets and cloud computing environments, along with a solid background in statistical modeling and inference, is desired.
Experience or ability to conduct research on energy-comfort balance, data-driven retrofits in various building types, and hyper-personalization is desired.

Special Instructions
The appointment length will be up to 2 years (i.e., 24 months), with the possibility of extension. Candidates should note that initial appointments and extensions depend on satisfactory performance and funding availability.

Applicants are encouraged to apply by November 15, 2026. The position remains open until filled.

Qualified applicants must submit:

a) Cover letter including qualifications and areas of expertise and interests. The letter should also include the candidate's philosophy, approach to collaborative research environment, as well as the mission and core beliefs (4Rs) underpinning the University of Utah School of Architecture. The letter should also address research and teaching interests.

b) Curriculum Vitae.

c) Writing samples - minimum of three, which may include dissertation, chapters, journal articles, book chapters and examples of other research outputs (8MB max or a link to a digital portfolio).

d) Names and contact information of three references (with phone, mail, and email addresses). References will not be contacted prior to receiving the candidate's consent to contact.

Upload all materials via https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/.

Candidates may be asked to provide additional information during the search process, including statement of teaching philosophy, and (if hired) graduate transcripts.

Please address questions pertaining specifically to the school and about the search for this position to the School of Architecture through the Academic Program Manager (Brisa Zavala - brisa.zavala@utah.edu).

Requisition Number: PRN46532B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary:
Department: 00159 - School of Architecture
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $55,000 to $60,000
Close Date: 11/15/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit <a href=""https://apptrkr.com/9909010"">https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/211128