PhD and MASc Graduate Student Positions in Thermal Energy Mapping and Decarbonization at McMaster University

McMaster University’s Faculty of Engineering is seeking high-caliber students for funded PhD and MASc (Master’s) graduate research positions in the area of Thermal Energy Mapping for Decarbonization of Heating. These positions are based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and are part of a multidisciplinary research team at the McMaster Institute for Energy Studies. The research aims to help cities and communities identify local climate action opportunities to decarbonize heating using existing local energy resources, supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students will work on projects involving data analytics and visualization to map community thermal energy sources and heating loads. The research will develop systems-level approaches to integrate thermal generation, storage, distribution, and consumption at the community level, with the goal of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Key research topics include developing frameworks for thermal energy resource inventories, collecting and disaggregating heating loads, GIS mapping, empirical data collection for model validation, and methodologies for measuring local residual heat, bioenergy, and hydrogen resources. Skillsets to be developed include data visualization, database development, GIS, heating load disaggregation, data analysis, integrated energy system modeling, computational fluid dynamics, thermal energy measurement, and machine learning forecasting techniques. Minimum qualifications include a MASc or equivalent in a related engineering discipline for PhD applicants, and a B.Eng or equivalent for Masters applicants. Strong communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills are required, with assets including programming experience and prior work in thermofluids, energy systems, HVAC, building energy modeling, GIS, database analysis, and machine learning applied to energy systems. McMaster University is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. The positions are fully funded, though specific stipend or tuition details are not provided. There is no fixed application deadline; candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible while positions remain open. To apply, email your resume/CV, transcripts, and cover letter to Professor James Cotton ([email protected]) and Kelton Friedrich ([email protected]). For more information, visit the official McMaster Engineering listing.