Research Associate

This competition is restricted to internal applicants of the University of Alberta. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position has an end date of April 30, 2027.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The Research Associate will join a project developing a real-time digital twin of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The position will conduct research on the modeling and simulation of SMRs in real-time environments, including FPGA-based hardware implementation and AI-enabled predictive modeling, and will prepare the resulting findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Candidates must have demonstrated experience in FPGA-based development and AI/machine learning modeling. Experience in nuclear reactor modeling, real-time simulation, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) emulation is preferred.

• Designs individual simulation experiments, data collection protocols and standards for SMR modeling and real-time emulation, under the supervision of the Principal Investigator.
• Determines the most appropriate mathematical modeling, numerical solution and control methodologies to meet identified research goals.
• Leads the development and validation of mathematical models of SMR subsystems (e.g., reactor core, coolant system, control systems) in MATLAB/Simulink, and their implementation on FPGA-based real-time platforms to support hardware-in-the-loop testing. Requires proficiency in mathematical modeling and simulation.
• Develops and implements real-time simulation and emulation components using C++ programming and VHDL for FPGA-based platforms, including translating and optimizing mathematical models for hardware implementation.
• Leads the development of AI/machine learning models (e.g., time-series predictive models) for reactor power prediction and anomaly detection, using advanced techniques to evaluate their accuracy and performance against simulation and test data.
• Oversees data collection from simulation and hardware-based environments and conducts advanced analysis of research data, including statistical and comparative analysis of model and controller performance. Conducts quality analysis and quality assurance on the modeling and experimental approach.

• Master's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent qualifications and experience.
• Demonstrated experience with FPGA-based development and real-time simulation/hardware-in-the-loop emulation.
• Demonstrated experience in AI/machine learning modeling (e.g., time-series prediction, anomaly detection) using Python and frameworks such as PyTorch.
• Experience in mathematical modeling and simulation of dynamic systems using MATLAB/Simulink, including numerical solvers and control strategy design.
• Strong data analysis skills, including statistical methods and data pipeline development.
• Ability to write technical reports and journal papers, and to communicate results to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently under the direction of the PI and to collaborate with a research team.

Application Instructions

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This position offers a salary range of $20,337 to $22,880 (pro-rated). This position is not eligible for benefits.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.