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

Details

Open Date 10/19/2026

Requisition Number PRN46532B

Job Title Post Doc Fellow w/Ret

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

Career Progression Track A00

Track Level

FLSA Code Administrative

Patient Sensitive Job Code? No

Standard Hours per Week 40

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Shift Day

Work Schedule Summary

VP Area Academic Affairs

Department 00159 - School of Architecture

Location Campus

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range $55,000 to $60,000

Close Date 11/15/2026

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Job Summary

The School of Architecture (SoA) within the University of Utahʼs 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.

Type Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary

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 viahttps://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 – [email protected]).

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the:University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.

Online reports may be submitted athttps://oeo.utah.edu

**https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/**This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

As perUniversity of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.