Industrial Refrigeration Consortium Researcher I
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Closing at: Nov 15 2026 - 11:00pm CST
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Job Category:
Academic Staff
Employment Type:
Regular
Job Profile:
Researcher I
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. Responsibilities will include:
- Apply expertise in refrigeration technology to improve the safety, efficiency, reliability, and productivity of large-scale field-erected industrial ammonia 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 IRC member companies and other agencies that provide funding on a project-by-project basis.
- Provide technical support for IRC members in other end-users on safety, including process safety management, risk management, and the application of the latest industry safety standards.
- Develop or assist in the development of project proposals, workshops, conferences, proceedings, and seminars.
- Develop and deliver technical content in professional development courses offered by the IRC for practicing professionals in the industry.
- Conduct research and curate best practices in refrigeration systems and technologies that utilize carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon refrigerants.
- Execute a professional development plan and pursue appropriate professional certificates and licenses applicable to the IRC mission.
- Apply appropriate communication, organizational, and administrative skills.
Additional Information:
Travel is required:
- Must provide a valid driver's license. Employees may use their own transportation or receive approval for University Car Fleet usage. Employment is conditional pending the results of a Pre-hire Driver Authorization Check. Visit Driver Authorization (click on “Become an authorized driver;” then click on “Required criteria”).
Remote Work:
- The anticipated hybrid work schedule will be up to two days remote, with 3 days onsite
Visa Sponsorship not available:
- Please be aware that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
- This position is an ongoing position that will require continuous work eligibility. If you are selected for this position you would have to provide proof of work authorization and eligibility to work.
- The College of Engineering is not an E-Verify employer and therefore we cannot accept F-1 OPT STEM Extensions for employment eligibility.
Key Job Responsibilities:
- Assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
- Provides technical support to IRC members for their industrial refrigeration systems and the application of process safety management and industry-specific safety standards.
- Trains individuals and groups on equipment operations, research protocols, and techniques within a specialized laboratory or research area
- Identifies concerns and recommends solutions to leadership
- Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities and assists with publications
- Assists with the development of research methodologies and procedures
- Collects and analyzes basic research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures
Department:
College of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Compensation:
The starting salary for the position is $75,000, but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Please review the summary of benefits for more information.
Required Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience in industrial refrigeration systems including built-up ammonia refrigeration systems
- Understanding of the industry-applicable safety standards and regulations including process safety management and risk management
- Experience in working with end-users in the food industry and refrigerated distribution facilities
- Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering professional presentations
- Strong technical writing and presentation skills
- Ability to convey complex concepts to a wide range of audience types
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon refrigerant systems
Education:
Required
- MS in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
Preferred
- PhD in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
How to Apply:
Please go to the “Apply Now” area and select your current UW Employment Status. Upload a SINGLE PDF document containing a cover letter and detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
The search committee will review all application materials after the posted deadline. We will notify selected applicants to participate further in the selection process directly. References will be requested from final candidates. All applicants will be notified after the search is complete and a candidate has been selected.
Contact Information:
Nancy Kujak - Ford
nancy.kujakford@wisc.edu
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
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.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited 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. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
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