Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of New Hampshire

1d • $45,000 - $51,000

About The Position

The Engineering for Agri-Environment Lab (EAE Lab), led by Md Sazan Rahman in the University of New Hampshire’s Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems, seeks a postdoctoral research associate to conduct research in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). Research focuses on modeling and simulating microclimate dynamics, precision monitoring and management of temperature and humidity, and developing predictive environmental control frameworks to improve productivity and resource efficiency.

The associate will be supervised by Dr. Md Sazan Rahman and collaborate with University of New Hampshire researchers and specialists, Cooperative Extension, and regional growers working in sustainable protected agriculture. The role includes leading research on temperature and moisture dynamics in protected agriculture, developing and validating computational models of CEA heat and moisture transfer, providing technical assistance to growers on on-farm environmental management, and contributing to the EAE Lab’s HVAC-related research program.

This position is supported by external sponsor funding; continued employment is contingent on the availability of those funds. The position is based in Durham, New Hampshire. The listed pay range is $45,000–$51,000, with the selected candidate’s rank depending on qualifications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Biosystems/Bioresource/Biological Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong research experience in modeling heat and moisture transfer, environmental simulation, and microclimate management in protected agriculture.
• Experience calibrating environmental sensors and integrating systems, collecting data, and analyzing data.
• Demonstrated record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience using TRANSYS, ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL Multiphysics, or similar platforms for thermal and fluid dynamics simulations.
• Strong programming skills in MATLAB, Python, R, or similar.
• Proficiency with data acquisition systems such as LabVIEW or CRBasic.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience designing and conducting laboratory and field experiments.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and supervise graduate and undergraduate students.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

• Machine learning or data-driven modeling experience applied to environmental control systems.
• A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel regionally.
• Previous work or research experience in controlled environment agriculture (CEA).
• Candidates already residing in the United States are preferred; international candidates are also encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on simulation of temperature and moisture dynamics in protected agriculture systems, including moisture generation, transpiration, and dynamics in air and substrate.
• Develop and validate computational models of heat and moisture transfer in controlled environment agriculture.
• Work with growers to provide technical assistance for on-farm environmental management.
• Enrich the EAE Lab’s HVAC-related research program.
• Conduct research under the supervision of Dr. Md Sazan Rahman and collaborate with University of New Hampshire researchers and specialists, Cooperative Extension, and regional growers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree