Student Research Assistant - Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering
$17.00 per hour, plus 4% vacation pay
May 18 – August 21, 2026
Dr. Senthilkumar Thiruppathi is seeking an undergraduate Student Research Assistant to support a research project focused on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling of commercial potato storage systems. The project involves development and validation of simulation workflows to analyze airflow patterns, temperature profile, moisture loss, and CO2 distribution under different ventilation rates and duct configurations, with the goal of improving storage efficiency and reducing losses.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop 3D storage geometries using CAD software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks
- Assist with mesh generation, boundary-condition setup, and solver selection for CFD simulations using COMSOL or ANSYS
- Post-process simulation results to evaluate airflow, temperature, and duct design performance
- Support validation of simulation results using field sensor data
- Assist with technical documentation, internal reports, and conference or research dissemination materials
- Participate in occasional field visits for data collection as required
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must be an undergraduate engineering student currently enrolled at UPEI
- Preference will be given to students in Sustainable Design Engineering or a closely related field
- Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD is required
- Familiarity with COMSOL, ANSYS, or related simulation tools is preferred
- Strong technical documentation, report writing, and data interpretation skills are required
- Experience with site inspection, field data collection, or applied engineering project work is an asset
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and professional communication skills are required
- Interest in CFD, thermal systems, storage engineering, or applied industrial research is preferred
Priority will be given to University of Prince Edward Island students in accordance with Recruitment, Selection, Hiring and Employment Policies and the Procedures manual.
Please submit electronically a cover letter, quoting the competition number, a resume and reference list to be received no later than the closing date via the link below.
If you are unable to apply online, you can drop off your resume to the Human Resources Department, Kelley Building, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PEI C1A 4P3, Fax Number 902-894-2895.
UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute. UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. If you require accommodation in any part of the process, please direct your inquiries, in confidence, to our HR Officer, hrofficer@upei.ca. Applications will not be accepted via email.
Only those applicants who are invited to an interview will be acknowledged.
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