Post Doctoral Fellow
- Employer
- Clemson University
- Location
- Clemson University
View more categoriesView less categories
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
Job Details
Post Doctoral Fellow
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: The successful candidate will: • 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
Application Instructions
Please include C.V., references, and Cover letter
For more information and to apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/196707
Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.
Copyright ©2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.
Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency je-4378849c52fa4cf389574442288b2ba6
Organization
Working at Clemson University
Clemson is a dynamic research university located in Upstate South Carolina at the center of the booming I-85 corridor between Charlotte, N.C., and Atlanta, Ga. One of the nation’s most selective public research universities according to U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review, Clemson University is the school of choice among top students in South Carolina and is increasingly competitive for the best students in the region and the nation. More than 17,100 students select from 70 undergraduate and 100 graduate degree programs through five academic colleges: Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences; Architecture, Arts and Humanities; Business and Behavioral Science; Engineering and Science; and Health, Education and Human Development.
Clemson’s transformation into a leading research institution — currently attracting in excess of $140 million in externally funded research and sponsored program awards per year — is based upon an academic plan that identifies eight emphasis areas in which the University has opportunities to increase education and research, to align with South Carolina’s economic development needs and to draw upon faculty strengths. Emphasis areas include automotive and transportation technology, advanced materials, biotechnology and biomedical sciences, leadership and entrepreneurship, sustainable environment, information and communication technology, family and community living, and general education.
Major economic development initiatives that have emerged from the academic plan include the Clemson International Center for Automotive Research — a 250-acre campus in Greenville, which has generated more than $225 million in public and private commitments in just four years; an advanced materials initiative at the Clemson Research Park, which includes a new LEED Silver-certified facility; and the South Carolina Health Sciences Collaborative — an initiative of the state’s three research universities and major health-care systems.
As the state’s land-grant university, Clemson reaches out to citizens, communities and businesses all over South Carolina. The Public Service Activities division includes the county-based Cooperative Extension Service, five off-campus research and education centers through the Clemson University Experiment Station and critical regulatory responsibilities for plant and animal health.
The University boasts a 1,400-acre campus on the shores of Lake Hartwell within view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Surrounding the campus are 18,000 acres of University farms and woodlands devoted to research. A warm campus environment, great weather and recreational activities offered by proximity to both the natural surroundings and large cities are part of the Clemson Experience.
Points of interest at Clemson include the following:
The Clemson Conference Center and Inn is a state-of-the-art facility for symposia, meetings, seminars and special events. The complex includes the Madren Continuing Education and Conference Center, the Walker Golf Course and the Martin Inn.
The South Carolina Botanical Garden, a 295-acre public garden, features several thousand varieties of ornamental plants and a unique collection of nature-based sculptures.
The Robert Howell Brooks Center for the Performing Arts brings an exciting array of concert, theater, dance, comedy and other live performances to the community.
The Robert Campbell Geology Museum at the Botanical Garden displays meteorites, minerals, dinosaur fossils and the largest faceted-stone collection in the Southeast.
The T. Ed Garrison Livestock Arena is a showplace for livestock activities in the state and has hosted horse and livestock shows, rodeos, sales, 4-H activities, educational programs, and industrial and agricultural exhibitions.
Fort Hill, the home of John C. Calhoun and later of his son-in-law, University founder Thomas Green Clemson, is a registered National Historic Landmark located in the center of campus.
The Class of 1944 Visitors Center is the front door to Clemson — a friendly place to get tours, information, assistance and an introduction to this beautiful, historic university and community.
Get job alerts
Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.
Create alert