Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Job Summary

Drexel University's Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering (CAEE) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to advance IAQ-CAST, the Baltimore Social-Environmental Collaborative (BSEC) Urban Integrated Field Lab's modeling framework for neighborhood-scale indoor air quality and exposure.

This position contributes to the DOE-funded BSEC effort by developing and validating data-driven models that fuse sensor data, building-stock attributes, meteorology, and HVAC/ ventilation behavior to simulate indoor exposures at census-tract resolution. The fellow will help design and analyze the IAQ-CAST tool, integrate model outputs with community and public-health use cases, and build decision-support tools that translate IAQ-CAST results into actionable guidance for partners across Baltimore.

This position is grant-funded; employment is contingent upon the continued availability of those funds.

Essential Functions

• Develop and refine IAQ-CAST's tract-level modeling of indoor PM. of outdoor origin, incorporating infiltration, natural ventilation, HVAC/filtration operation, and basic thermodynamic adjustments.
• Assemble and manage building-stock inputs (e.g., ACS/ResStock-style descriptors) and meteorological/outdoor PM. data needed to drive simulations at census-tract resolution.
• Integrate available measurements and published datasets to parameterize models and check reasonableness of results; document assumptions and versioning.
• Run scenario analyses to estimate indoor exposures across neighborhoods and summarize results as exposure maps, tables, and briefings for decision-makers.
• Build and maintain reproducible data and modeling pipelines (ingest, preprocessing, simulation, post-processing, and audit trails) with clear documentation.
• Collaborate with faculty, students, and community partners to translate IAQ-CAST outputs into practical guidance for buildings and neighborhoods.
• Prepare technical reports, journal articles, and presentations for BSEC partners, sponsors, and scholarly dissemination.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students contributing to data, modeling, and interpretation tasks.
• Contribute to proposal writing and related activities to grow externally funded work that leverages IAQ-CAST.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a PhD or Doctorate in Ph.D. in Architectural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Atmospheric Science, or a related discipline or the equivalent combination of education and work experience. (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.)
• Minimum of 2 years of PhD graduate student and/or postdoctoral experience
• Demonstrated expertise in air quality modeling.
• Proficiency in Python for data processing and modeling.
• Strong quantitative, statistical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with indoor air quality processes, HVAC systems, and occupant modeling.

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table
• Typically standing, walking

Location

• Hybrid/Flexible Work Arrangement

Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt, grade K. Compensation for this grade ranges from $54,630.00 - $81,940.00 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate's qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel's compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel's Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.