Vacancy: Post-doctoral researcher (full-time)
Qualifications: PhD in Building Science, Architectural Engineering, or a related field
Term: 1 year, fixed term
Start date: 1 October 2025
Location: Wellington or remote
About Us
Bodeker Scientific is an independent research organisation, recognised domestically and internationally for its expertise in atmospheric and climate research. The company conducts original scientific research through contracts held with both national funding agencies and international organisations. The company operates as a federation of largely independent researchers who collaboratively work on shared contracts under a commonly agreed company constitution. We focus on conducting high quality research within the time and financial constraints imposed by our research contracts. To achieve this goal, decision-making in the company is participatory with an emphasis on personal responsibility.
About the Role
Bodeker Scientific was recently successful in obtaining $999,999 in MBIE Smart Ideas funding for a project titled: āIntegrating AI and Additive Manufacturing for Biomimetic Adaptive Building FaƧadesā. This project is being conducted in close collaboration with the University of Canterbury, Scion, and various other domestic and international partner organisations. Through this project, we plan to develop next-generation adaptive building faƧades that reduce energy use and emissions by combining AI, 3D printing, and plant-inspired 4D-printed biomaterials.
We are looking for a motivated and energetic PhD graduate to join our multidisciplinary team and drive the development of an advanced digital simulation pipeline for Biomimetic kinetic Building FaƧades. In this role, you will optimise and control the performance of dynamic adaptive facades with unconventional geometries. You will use cutting-edge optimisation and control algorithms to push the boundaries of dynamic shading systems. This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of architecture, engineering, and computational design, developing solutions that push the boundaries of adaptive building technologies.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify up-to-date simulation requirements and define performance metrics for advanced kinetic faƧade systems.
- Enhance an existing digital simulation workflow to integrate multiple performance factors, including environmental and occupant comfort considerations.
- Use multi-objective optimisation algorithms to improve faƧadeās performance.
- Develop control algorithms and strategies and compare their influence against multiple performance objectives.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate simulation insights into innovative, practical, high-impact solutions.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Strong background in building performance simulation, including expertise in energy modelling, daylight analysis, thermal and visual comfort assessment, and airflow analysis.
- Demonstrable experience in simulation tools such as EnergyPlus, Radiance, and CFD (OpenFOAM).
- Expertise in parametric modelling and computational design using Grasshopper.
- Experience with multi-objective optimisation plugins in Grasshopper, such as Wallacei and Octopus.
- Demonstrable experience in decentralised and user-centric control strategies.
- Experience with TT Toolbox and Colibri.
- Demonstrable skills in Python scripting.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex simulation data and derive actionable insights.
- Experience in producing technical reports to communicate simulation outcomes and performance improvements.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
- Applied machine learning literacy with a good understanding of core concepts.
Preferred skills
- Experience in EMS (Energy Management System) in EnergyPlus
- Knowledge of scripting within Rhino/Grasshopper environment (C# or VBNET) to complement Python skills.
Why Join Us?
- Work on groundbreaking, sustainable building technologies in a collaborative, inclusive environment.
- Be part of a team that values innovation, humility, and continuous learning.
- Access professional growth opportunities through research, publishing, and international collaboration.
- Enjoy flexible work arrangements including remote options.
- Utilise cutting-edge tools and resources to support your work.
- Experience a supportive culture that recognises your contributions and empowers leadership.
Applications must be emailed to Negin Imani (negin@bodekerscientific.com) by the deadline of midnight, 19 September 2025.
Please provide:
- A covering letter
- A CV, which must include:
- Your strengths relating to the essential and preferred skills listed above.
- A pointer to any GitHub repositories of your code (if available).
- The names and contact details of at least two referees.
If you are short-listed, you will be interviewed, either in person or via Zoom, for this position. International applicants are encouraged to apply.