Postdoctoral Scholar - Germicidal UV for Bioaerosol Mitigation

Job Overview

This opportunity is open to all candidates, with preference given to current or former University of Alberta employees. The appointment spans an initial 12 months, potentially extendable for an additional year based on performance and funding availability. The position is located onsite at the North Campus in Edmonton, Alberta.

The University seeks a dedicated Postdoctoral Scholar to spearhead research into in-duct ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) technologies aimed at reducing airborne aerosol transmission within HVAC systems. The role demands integration of computational and laboratory methods to accurately assess UVGI system effectiveness under realistic operational scenarios.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead development of detailed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models to analyze airflow, turbulence, and particle behavior within ducts.
• Perform irradiance simulations utilizing ray-tracing and radiative transport techniques.
• Evaluate UV dose distribution and disinfection efficiency during single-pass airflow conditions.
• Assist with experimental validation of models using duct test rigs.
• Prepare and publish findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present at global conferences.
• Contribute to drafting research proposals and promote interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Provide mentorship to graduate and undergraduate students in both modeling and experimental procedures.

Required Qualifications

• PhD completed or close to completion in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Building Science, or related disciplines.
• Strong expertise in CFD modeling with experience in airflow and particle transport simulations.
• Proven track record of publishing peer-reviewed research.
• Excellent communication abilities in written and oral formats.

Preferred Experience

• Familiarity with UVGI or airborne infection control technologies.
• Understanding of radiative heat transfer or optical modeling approaches.
• Knowledge of HVAC system design and ventilation engineering.
• Experience with multiphysics simulation tools such as ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or COMSOL.
• Background in aerosol science or bioaerosol dynamics.

Additional Information

Candidates must submit a resume, cover letter, list of publications, research plan, and academic reference letters with their application. The appointee will receive a comprehensive benefits package and the appointment terms comply with the Collective Agreement between the University's Board of Governors and the Postdoctoral Fellows Association.

Committed to inclusiveness, the University honors Treaty 6 territory and supports equity, diversity, and accessibility throughout the hiring process. Accommodations can be provided for candidates with special needs during interviews.

The Faculty of Engineering is recognized for innovation and holistic education emphasizing both technical skill and emotional intelligence, preparing graduates for leadership in a changing global engineering environment.