Four postdoctoral research appointments are available in a joint program (SinBerBEST) between the University of California Berkeley (UCB), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the National University of Singapore (NUS), and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). The overall research program aims to improve energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings in tropical climates.

We are recruiting candidates for Thrust 2: Multi-Level Optimal Control. The objective of Thrust 2 is to develop a fundamentally new model-based integrative building control paradigm. The projects in Thrust 2 aim to achieve effective coordination among different subsystems, such as lighting, HVAC systems, new materials and security systems.

With this call, we are seeking researchers to explore the application of innovative micro- and nano-scale structures to modifying the condensation-promoting and water-shedding properties of surfaces within air conditioning systems. The aims of the project are to enhance cooling performance, lower energy consumption, and alleviate the risks of microbial infection inside these systems. We are also exploring the integration of customised plasmonic structures with radiative cooling systems. Throughout this work, we are seeking highly scalable manufacturing processes with the potential to create durable and easily maintainable surfaces.

Strong candidates will have demonstrated one or more of the following: (1) a strong grasp of thermodynamics, (2) knowledge of air conditioning system design principles; (3) expertise in micro- and nano-scale fabrication, including clean-room work; (4) proficiency in designing and prototyping electromechanical systems, incorporating, e.g., thermoelectric elements, humidity and temperature sensing, and software-based feedback control.

Appointments are for an initial period of one year with possibility of renewal. The postdoctoral scholars will work directly with our faculty team including Hayden Taylor (UCB), Low Hong Yee and Joel Yang (SUTD), and Cai Wenjian, Xie Lihua and Lam Yee Cheong (NTU).

Three of the roles will be based at the CREATE site in Singapore (http://utown.nus.edu.sg/about-university-town/create-2/), with world-class facilities, a cosmopolitan and collegial atmosphere, and an advanced climate-controlled testbed with the potential for apartment-scale evaluation of the manufacturing techniques studied. Of these three positions, it is planned that two of the scholars will be direct employees of the Berkeley Education Alliance for Research in Singapore (BEARS), and one will be appointed through NTU. The fourth position will be appointed through UC Berkeley and will be based in Berkeley, CA with the expectation that the position-holder will travel to Singapore periodically to coordinate efforts between the two sites.

Applicants should send, by e-mail to Prof Hayden Taylor (hkt@berkeley.edu), a letter describing their research experience and interests, a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information (including e-mail addresses) of three references.

Applications are being reviewed as received with an interest in early appointment. Intended start date would ideally be no later than 1 January 2015.

For more information about SinBerBEST, see: http://sinberbest.berkeley.edu/…