Post Doctoral Fellow

Clemson University MBA Programs; Daniel (WY); Presencial; USD 60.000 - 80.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Clemson University seeks a postdoctoral researcher in Mechanical Engineering to advance interdisciplinary work on reliability, efficiency, and intelligence in next-generation mechanical and energy systems. You will lead computational and experimental studies, publish results, and collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and external partners.

Ph.D. in Engineering is required; experience in AI, tribology, and data-driven methods is a plus.

Formación

• Ph.D in Engineering is required.

Responsabilidades

• Conduct independent and collaborative research across three project themes.
• Develop computational models, numerical simulations, and data-driven algorithms.
• Design, perform, and analyze laboratory experiments related to bearing electro-tribology.
• Publish research findings in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research at national and international conferences.
• Assist with day-to-day laboratory management, including maintaining research equipment, documenting experimental procedures, and supporting a safe and productive research environment.
• Contribute to the preparation of competitive research grant proposals and funding applications.
• Participate actively in collaborative research meetings and outreach activities.

Educación

Ph.D in Engineering

Descripción del empleo

Clemson University: College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences: Mechanical Engineering

Location

FLUOR DANIEL (ENGINEERING INNOVATION CENTER) EIB(000388) BLDG000388

Open Date

Oct 30, 2026

Description

The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research program focused on advancing the reliability, efficiency, and intelligence of next-generation mechanical and energy systems. The research integrates computational mechanics, tribology, artificial intelligence, and experimental validation to address critical challenges in bearing reliability and energy system optimization.

The postdoctoral researcher will lead and contribute to three research thrusts:

Research Theme 1: AI Data center thermal management

Develop and document a lumped-parameter transient thermal-network evaluation framework spanning chip and rack cooling, the cooling distribution unit, facility water and air systems, and external heat rejection. Couple workloads and chip-level thermal behavior with cooling-system response and assess cooling power, AI throughput, Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), Cooling Load Factor (CLF), and Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE).

Validate chip-level thermal parameters against published cold-plate datasets and validate system-level PUE against the project’s Google campus benchmark set. For hyperscale sites, target predicted PUE within 0.05 of the reported value. Document assumptions, sensitivity, uncertainty, and validation results. Prepare maintainable MATLAB or Python code and a user-facing description report.

Research Theme 2: Data-center cooling upscaling considering climate and geothermal resources

Evaluate direct-to-chip cooling architecture as per-chip Thermal Design Power (TDP) scales from 1.4 kW through 1.8 kW and 2.0 kW to 2.5 kW. Apply selected transient AI workload profiles, convert simulated die temperature through a throttle curve, and assess throughput consequences and the cooling architecture tier needed at each operating point.

Compare cooling and heat-rejection strategies across representative climates, including Stockholm or Luleå, Phoenix or Dallas, and Singapore. Assess free cooling, evaporative cooling, chiller operation, and geothermal seasonal energy storage configurations, as appropriate to the project plan. Relate workload timing and climate to regional PUE and WUE.

Research Theme 3: Energy System Efficiency and Performance Improvement Through Reinforcement Learning

Develop reinforcement learning algorithms for improving the operational efficiency, reliability, and performance of energy systems. The research will explore intelligent control strategies capable of optimizing system operation under varying conditions while balancing efficiency, robustness, and computational performance. Applications may include energy systems, such as turbines and data centers.

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to work closely with PI, graduate students, and external collaborators to produce high-impact research outcomes through both computational and experimental investigations.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research across the three project themes.
• Develop computational models, numerical simulations, and data-driven algorithms.
• Design, perform, and analyze laboratory experiments related to bearing electro-tribology.
• Publish research findings in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research at national and international conferences.
• Assist with day-to-day laboratory management, including maintaining research equipment, documenting experimental procedures, and supporting a safe and productive research environment.
• Contribute to the preparation of competitive research grant proposals and funding applications.
• Participate actively in collaborative research meetings and outreach activities.

Qualifications

Ph.D in Engineering