Post-Doctoral Researcher

Two-Phase Flow Boiling and Condensation of Refrigerants

Location: Thermofluids Research Laboratory (TF-LAB), Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University, Toronto, Canada

Supervisor: Prof. Roger Kempers, P.Eng.

Term: 1 year (with possibility of extension)

Start date: January 2026

Project summary

We are seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral researcher to lead an industrial-sponsored project on two-phase refrigerant flow boiling and condensation. The successful candidate will be the technical lead and person responsible for the design, construction, and commissioning of a dedicated refrigerant flow loop, as well as for planning and executing the experimental program.

Key responsibilities

  • Lead day-to-day technical execution of the project and coordinate with the industrial partner and other graduate students associated with the project

  • Design, build, and commission a two-phase refrigerant test loop, including specification and integration of all major components and safety systems.

  • Specify and integrate instrumentation (flow, pressure, temperature, DP, power) and develop data acquisition / basic control routines in MATLAB.

  • Plan and conduct experiments on flow boiling and condensation in various test sections; perform data reduction, uncertainty analysis, and model/correlation assessment.

  • Develop reduced-order or 1D/2D models from the results.

  • Prepare journal/conference papers, and presentations for both academic and industrial audiences.

  • Mentorship of graduate students and undergraduate researchers

Essential qualifications

  • PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Engineering Physics or related field (completed or near completion).

  • Strong background in thermal sciences, with demonstrated experience in boiling and/or condensation, two-phase flow, or advanced heat exchangers.

  • Proven hands-on skills in a thermofluids/heat transfer lab: designing, building, troubleshooting experimental rigs (ideally pressurized and/or refrigerant-based).

  • Experience with instrumentation and data acquisition; strong technical problem-solving skills and the ability to diagnose hardware/experimental issues.

  • Proficiency in MATLAB for data analysis and experimental automation.

  • Strong track record of research output and excellent English written and oral communication skills.

Desirable skills

  • Experience with plate heat exchangers, compact or microchannel heat exchangers.

  • Background in refrigeration/heat pump loops or low-GWP refrigerants (e.g., R1234yf).

  • Familiarity with two-phase correlations/pressure drop models and basic system or CFD modelling.

  • Proficiency with SolidWorks (or similar CAD) for designing test sections, manifolds, and loop components.

  • Experience working with industry and preparing technical design reports.

How to apply

Please submit a brief cover letter, CV, and contact details for 2–3 referees to kempers@yorku.ca. Subject line: <Your Name> - Two-Phase Post-Doc