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

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 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.

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 https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/211128

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