Postdoctoral Researcher - College of Engineering

Villanova University • Villanova, PA

42d

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and interdisciplinary Doctoral Research Assistant to work with Mechanical Engineering faculty and engineers in the data center industry to create a data center waste heat recovery design tool. This tool enables the industry to determine how to best implement waste heat recovery based on location, operating conditions, and availability of third-party waste heat consumers. Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. degree in engineering or closely related field
• Good organizational and communication skills
• The ability to work independently and communicate proactively
• Highly motivated with strong written and oral communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with sustainability topics, software development and applications, engineering design, and thermal-fluids science experience in the form of research and/or coursework.
• The individual is expected to actively pursue high quality publications and participate in generating new ideas and writing.

Responsibilities

• Develop a software toolkit to aid in data center waste heat design decisions.
• Apply the toolkit towards various waste heat recovery strategies to aid in determining which strategy is optimal for given external conditions.
• Collaborate with Mechanical Engineering faculty, industrial researchers, and students on forming the toolkit to best serve the needs of the data center industry.
• Communicate findings of various design decisions for waste heat recovery to both industrial and academic communities through presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

Benefits

• Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University's founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
• Villanova has been included among the nation's best colleges and universities. VU's inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 "Best Colleges" rankings is another indication of the University's continued prominence and forward momentum.
• Villanova's most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees