Postdoctoral Scholar Full-time NEW

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The Faculty of Engineering is one of North America's top engineering schools, known for innovation, collaboration, and impact. It fosters an exceptional student experience through a holistic approach that combines technical excellence with emotional intelligence. With strong community engagement, interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to societal well-being, the faculty prepares students to lead in a rapidly evolving, global engineering landscape.

A research group at the University of Alberta is seeking a visionary Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead a high-impact project at the frontier of Machine Learning-Accelerated Computational Fluid Dynamics. You will be responsible for developing and implementing data-driven frameworks—including Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) and CNNs—to bridge the gap between rigorous numerical methods and the rapid predictive power of deep learning. This position is ideal for a researcher who thrives in a multidisciplinary environment, combining deep physical insights with advanced AI architectures to solve real-world transport phenomena and turbulence challenges.

Based in a dynamic and collaborative research group, you will have access to robust High-Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure and a network of experts in both fluid mechanics and artificial intelligence. Beyond technical development, you will play a leadership role in the lab, generating high-fidelity datasets, validating surrogate models against experimental benchmarks, and publishing in top-tier journals. This role is not just about performing simulations; it is about defining the next generation of hybrid solvers. We are looking for a motivated scholar eager to establish themselves as a leader in the rapidly evolving field of AI + Physics, while contributing to an inclusive and innovative research culture at one of Canada's premier research universities.

Responsibilities

• Develop ML Frameworks: Design and train deep learning architectures, such as Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) and CNNs, to model complex fluid flow and transport phenomena.
• Generate High-Fidelity Data: Utilize advanced CFD simulations or experimental data to produce high-quality datasets for training and testing surrogate models.
• Algorithm Integration: Couple machine learning models with open-source or commercial CFD solvers to accelerate convergence and reduce overall computational costs.
• Model Validation: Perform rigorous error propagation analysis and validate data-driven predictions against established experimental and numerical benchmarks.
• Disseminate Research: Author high-impact manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at major international conferences in fluid mechanics and AI.
• Mentorship & Leadership: Provide technical guidance to graduate and undergraduate students while contributing to the collaborative growth of the research group.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field.
• A strong record of research excellence demonstrated by first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals focusing on fluid mechanics, computational science, or machine learning.
• Demonstrated experience in developing or implementing numerical methods for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
• Advanced theoretical understanding of fluid mechanics, turbulence modeling, and transport phenomena.
• Expert proficiency in Python and core scientific computing libraries (e.g., NumPy, SciPy, Pandas).
• Hands-on experience with deep learning frameworks
• Proven ability to develop and train neural network architectures (e.g., PINNs, CNNs, or RNNs) for physical systems.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills for manuscript preparation and international conference presentations.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Application Instructions

Click “Apply Now” to submit the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter
• List of publications
• Academic referral letters

This position has a comprehensive benefits package.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Postdoctoral Fellows Association of the University of Alberta.

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community. The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide. Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people – from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more. At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns. The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply. L'Université de l'Alberta s'engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.