Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) and the MSU Industrial Assessment Center invite applications from outstanding candidates for a Fixed-Term Research Associate (Postdoctoral Fellow) position in the area of energy, sustainability, and decarbonization of industrial and commercial buildings. The initial appointment will be for 12 months. Renewal for up to four additional years is possible, subject to funding and satisfactory performance evaluations.

The positions will be under the direction of Dr. Kristen Cetin and Dr. Annick Anctil, in collaboration with Dr. George Berghorn and Mr. Ryan Gallagher. The Research Associate will work as part of a multidisciplinary team with primary emphases in the areas of building energy performance, energy modeling, life cycle assessment, building decarbonization, and energy workforce development.

The successful applicants will participate in and oversee research projects and serve in a project manager role within the MSU Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) and associated projects. This includes (a) the design, development, execution, and publishing of results of industrial decarbonization and workforce development-related research projects, (b) fieldwork supporting ASHRAE Level 1 and 2 assessments conducted at commercial and industrial buildings, (c) supporting collaboration and knowledge sharing among other IACs, Expansion IACs, Centers of Excellence, and BTACs throughout the U.S.

This individual will have the opportunity to be involved in a leading role in data collection and analysis activities for research projects, help to write research grant proposals, support training of students in understanding building energy assessment procedures and systems, coordinate among various project stakeholders, support achievement of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals, as well as help to shape the direction and goals of the efforts within the MSU IAC. More information on the MSU IAC is available here: https://iac.msu.edu/. They will also have opportunities to mentor both graduate and undergraduate students on research projects and assessment teams.

MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The University, MSU IAC, and the CEE Department actively encourage applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities. Job applicants are considered for employment opportunities and employees are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. The University actively encourages applications of women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Doctorate in Engineering or closely related field

Minimum Requirements

• Doctorate in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Energy Engineering, or a closely related field by the start date.
• Strong oral and written communication skills. 
• Record of scholarly productivity.
• Ability to work well both independently and in a team environment with undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, building systems vendors, and industry professionals
• Excellent qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis skills.
• Knowledge of buildings, building systems, and sustainability topics, particularly as they relate to buildings in the U.S.
• Strong organizational skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with building energy, emissions, and related data, including programming, calculations, graphing, and data analytics.
• Experience in managing research and/or energy-related projects, including coordinating personnel, meetings, site visits, data collection, analysis, and report writing.
• Knowledge of HVAC, compressed air, process heating and cooling, building envelope, and other major energy-consuming systems in commercial and industrial buildings.
• Experience training and/or mentoring undergraduate and graduate students on research projects, laboratory, and fieldwork.
• Familiar with key decarbonization, energy, and emissions goals, legislation, and targets in the U.S. 
• Experience conducting ASHRAE Level 1, 2, and/or 3 energy audits.

Required Application Materials

• A cover letter; 1 page, please include the reason/motivation for applying, relevant research and/or industry experience related to this position, relevant training and/or mentorship experience
• A Curriculum Vitae
• A vision statement (0.5-1 page) regarding diversity, equity and inclusion
• Three references with contact information

Special Instructions

For full consideration, applications should be received before August 30, 2024. Applications will be reviewed continuously thereafter until the position is filled.

Review of Applications Begins On

08/30/2024

Website

https://www.egr.msu.edu/cee/

Department Statement

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Michigan State University is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus community. By collaborating with faculty, staff, and students, the department develops programs and resources that support curricular and co-curricular success and prepare students for academic and professional achievement.

The CEE Department offers civil and environmental engineering degree programs specializing in structures, pavements, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, transportation, water resources, and energy/sustainability.

MSU's campus is park-like, featuring outlying research facilities and natural areas. It is located in East Lansing, next to the state capital, Lansing. The Lansing metropolitan area has a diverse population of approximately 541,000 and boasts excellent school systems and a strong emphasis on education.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.