Research Scientist, Civil, Environmental, & Architectural Engineering
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Worcester, MA, USA
- Aug 05, 2026
Job Description
JOB TITLE
Research Scientist
LOCATION
Worcester
DEPARTMENT NAME
Civil, Environmental, & Architectural Engineering - NFR JM
DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute invites applications for a research scientist in Indoor Airflow, Ventilation, and CFD position beginning in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027.
The position will focus on indoor airflow, ventilation, air distribution, indoor environmental quality, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The successful candidate will contribute to research that combines CFD modeling, primarily using ANSYS Fluent and OpenFOAM, with laboratory-based measurements and Machine Learning (AI).
We are especially interested in applicants with strong CFD experience and an interest in applying modeling and AI tools to real building and indoor environmental problems. Prior experience with laboratory experiments, airflow measurements, ventilation studies, or CFD validation is desirable, but candidates with strong CFD backgrounds and willingness to develop experimental skills are also encouraged to apply.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Minimum qualifications include:
- Ph.D. in Architectural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
- Strong research experience with CFD, preferably ANSYS Fluent
- Knowledge of fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and turbulence modeling
- Programming skills for data analysis, model development, or simulation workflows
- A record of peer-reviewed publications related to CFD, indoor environments, ventilation, or related areas
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Preferred qualifications include:
- Experience with indoor airflow, ventilation, HVAC, or air distribution modeling
- Experience with laboratory measurements or experimental validation
- Familiarity with Ansys Fluent and other CFD tools (e.g., OpenFOAM)
- Interest in indoor air quality, thermal comfort, or building environmental performance
To apply: Please include a CV and two relevant published papers. Questions should be directed to Dr. Shichao Liu at sliu8@wpi.edu. Please use the subject line:
Research Scientist- Indoor Airflow CFD
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Salary: $50,000 - $60,000. per year. Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity. WPI's benefits package includes a robust retirement match, wellness perks, tuition assistance and more!
FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)
WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.
To apply, visit: https://wpi.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WPI_External_Career_Site/job/Worcester/Research-Scientist_R0003540
About WPI
WPI is a vibrant, active, and diverse community of extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, and state of the art research facilities. At WPI, we have competitive and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, long-term care, retirement, tuition assistance, flexible spending accounts, work-life balance and much more.
Diversity & Inclusion at WPI
WPI is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected; a place where every student, faculty and staff member can be themselves, so that they can study, live, and work comfortably, to reach their full potential, and make meaningful contributions in order to meet departmental and institutional goals. WPI thrives on innovative practice and welcomes diverse perspectives, insight, and people from diverse lived experiences, to enhance the community environment and propel the institution to the next level in a competitive, global marketplace.
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Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), a global leader in project-based learning, is a distinctive, top-tier technological university founded in 1865 on the principle that students learn most effectively by applying the theory learned in the classroom to the practice of solving real-world problems. Today, WPI recognizes the essential nature of preparing and supporting future scientists, engineers, and business leaders in their journeys to become the empathetic, collaborative, and resourceful STEM professionals the world needs now.
WPI’s award-winning, pioneering project-based and globally engaged curriculum engages students in solving important scientific, technological, and societal problems throughout their education—on campus and at more than 50 project centers in the Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. In both academics and research, undergraduate and graduate students pursue interdisciplinary collaboration with each other, with faculty across WPI’s four schools, and with public and private partners to develop broad-scope solutions to socially relevant problems.
More than 70 PhD, master's, bachelor’s, and certificate programs are offered both on campus and online, providing flexible options and opportunities for students to advance their careers and succeed in today’s—and tomorrow’s—world.
To see additional information about our job opening(s) or to apply, click on the “Apply Now” button at the bottom of our job posting(s).
When inquiring or applying for jobs at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, please also reference AcademicCareers.com
Applicants with dual-career considerations can find university jobs, such as professor jobs, dean jobs, and other faculty jobs and higher ed jobs with the Worcester Polytechnic Institute and with other colleges and universities in the region on AcademicCareers.com
To receive email alerts when new jobs at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute are posted, sign up for new job openings at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
