Industrial Refrigeration Consortium Scientist

Job Category

Academic Staff

Regular

Scientist I

The Industrial Refrigeration Consortium (IRC) at the University of Wisconsin‑Madison is a collaborative effort between the University of Wisconsin‑Madison and industry with a mission to improve the safety, efficiency, and productivity of industrial refrigeration systems and technologies.

The IRC is seeking an engineer to join our team and continue making transformative contributions for the benefit of IRC members and the industry. The person in this position will work both independently and within teams to support IRC‑related activities in research, outreach, and education for its member companies and the broader industry.

• Apply expertise in refrigeration technology to improve the safety, efficiency, reliability, and productivity of large‑scale field‑erected industrial refrigeration systems.
• Develop appropriate engineering analyses to support recommendations on both an individual systems basis and a broader industry basis.
• Perform complex computer‑based analyses of existing and proposed refrigeration systems.
• Interact with manufacturers, contractors, consulting engineers, and other industry professionals through involvement on IIAR and ASHRAE committees.
• Prepare engineering reports, studies, and guidebooks for the IRC, IRC member companies, and other agencies providing funding on a project‑by‑project basis.
• Assist with graduate students related research projects.
• Develop or assist in the development of project proposals, workshops, conferences, proceedings, and seminars.
• Present in technology transfer programs offered by the IRC.
• Execute a professional development plan and pursue appropriate professional certificates and licenses applicable to the IRC mission.
• Apply appropriate communication, organizational, and administrative skills.
• Travel to off‑site locations in Wisconsin and throughout the U.S.

• Assist with the identification of research problems and the development of research methodologies and procedures.
• Collect and analyze research data, conduct experiments and interviews, and document results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision and limited responsibility.
• Attend and assist with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information.
• Serve as a facilitator in professional development outreach courses in the area of ammonia refrigeration systems and process safety management.
• Write or assist in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding.
• Conduct literature reviews, prepare reports and materials, and disseminate information to appropriate entities.
• Serve as a main point of contact and liaison with internal and external stakeholders providing information and representing the interests of a specialized research area.

• This position can be full or part‑time, between 50–100%.
• This position is eligible to work partially remote; or fully on‑site. Remote work requires an approved remote work agreement (RWA). An RWA requires successful candidates to possess their own high‑speed internet and phone to perform the work on a university‑provided computer. Per University policy, transportation between home and assigned work location is not payable/reimbursable and will be at the expense of the employee.

College of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering

The starting salary for the position is $70,000, but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with refrigeration systems in a research or industrial setting is required.
• Strong analytical and communication (both written and verbal) skills are essential.

• Proven experience in ammonia refrigeration systems and/or process safety management experience are strongly preferred.
• Candidates with teaching experience and professional presentations are preferred.

Ph.D. is required in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.