Industrial Refrigeration Consortium Scientist

Job Summary

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 student–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 the pursuit of 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.
• Assists with the identification of research problems and the development of research methodologies and procedures.
• Collects and analyzes research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision and limited responsibility.
• Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information.
• Serves as an facilitator in professional development outreach courses in the area of ammonia refrigeration systems and process safety management.
• Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding.
• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities.
• Serves 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) requiring the employee 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 employee’s expense.

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

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

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

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

Alissa Girdler

1513 University Ave
Madison, WI 53706

agirdler

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW‑Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

The University of Wisconsin‑Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.