MASc and PhD Graduate Student Research Positions Available
McMaster University, McMaster Institute for Energy Studies (MIES)
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
MIES invites applications for MASc and PhD positions in two complementary areas of low-carbon thermal energy. Candidates may be considered for either project.
To apply for a graduate studies position, please submit your application (Resume/CV, transcripts, cover letter and related information) to Professor James Cotton at cottonjs@mcmaster.ca and Kelton Friedrich at friedrke@mcmaster.ca with subject line: “LinkedIn Job Post: Grad positions available”
Project A — Decarbonization of Heating
Objective: Equip cities and communities to decarbonize space and water heating using local, low-carbon energy resources while maintaining grid reliability.
Research Topics & Responsibilities:
- Empirical data collection for model validation:
Deploy sensors and gather field/lab measurements (e.g., temperatures, flow rates, electrical demand) to populate a high-quality database for modeling, verification, and uncertainty analysis. - Real-time grid demand under heat-pump electrification:
Build models that translate hourly weather and forecasted community heating loads into time-varying electricity demand, considering COP variations, defrost cycles, and demand diversity. - Thermal storage for source–load mismatch:
Analyze the sizing, control strategies, and economics of thermal storage (e.g., water tanks, PCMs, boreholes) to buffer variability between distributed carbon-free heat sources and heating demands. - Digital twin development:
Create a data-driven community energy digital twin that integrates empirical datasets with physics-informed models to predict, optimize, and visualize energy flows, peak demand, costs, and emissions across alternative heat-supply portfolios.
Project B — Decarbonization of Drying Processes
Objective: Develop and demonstrate low-carbon drying technologies to reduce reliance on high-temperature, natural-gas-fired drying—particularly relevant to emissions-intensive sectors such as mining and agriculture.
Research Topics & Responsibilities:
- Benchmarking conventional convective hot-air drying:
Design and execute controlled experiments to quantify drying physics and rates, drying efficiency, specific energy consumption, and exergy metrics across materials and operating conditions. - Empirical assessment of alternative techniques:
Measure and compare efficiency gains from advanced methods (e.g., staged/impingement drying, dehumidification-assisted, hybrid systems), including product quality and moisture profiles. - Infrared and/or induction heating integration:
Quantify mass- and heat-transfer enhancements, penetration depth, uniformity, start-up transients, and control strategies when applying IR and/or induction heating; develop scale-up correlations and techno-economic assessments.
Employment Equity Statement
In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity. The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. While all qualified candidates are invited to apply, we particularly welcome applications from women, persons with disabilities, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, members of visible minorities, and LGBTQ+ persons.
Skillsets to be developed:
- Decarbonization pathway planning
- Graphical Information System (GIS) use
- Heating load disaggregation techniques
- Integrated energy system modeling
- Machine learning forecasting techniques
- Thermal impact on electrical grid modeling
- Computational Fluid Dynamics
- Data visualisation and analysis techniques
- Thermal energy measurement system design and data acquisition
- Written communication skills through preparation of thesis and peer-reviewed journal articles
- Verbal communication skills through preparing and presenting research findings
- Networking and mentorship opportunities with technical staff from industry partners
Minimum Qualifications:
- For PhD positions: MASc or equivalent in a related engineering discipline (Mechanical, Civil, Computer Science, Electrical, Chemical, Engineering Physics)
- For Masters positions: B.Eng or equivalent in a related engineering discipline (Mechanical, Civil, Computer Science, Electrical, Chemical, Engineering Physics)
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a large team
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Strong analytical skills
Assets:
- Previous experience in programming languages (e.g. C++, Java, C#, Matlab, Python)
- Experience in any of the following: Thermofluids, Energy Systems, HVAC Load Prediction, Building Energy Modelling, GIS, Database analysis, Machine learning and AI applied to Energy Systems, or other Data Analytics Studies.
- Publication(s) in relevant journals
How To Apply:
To apply for a graduate studies position, please submit your application (Resume/CV, transcripts, cover letter and related information) to Professor James Cotton at cottonjs@mcmaster.ca and Kelton Friedrich at friedrke@mcmaster.ca with subject line: “LinkedIn Job Post: Grad positions available”