Postdoctoral Fellow: Sustainable Roofing Innovations for Climate-Adaptive Housing
Drake Stormwater Research Group and Viau Timber Engineering Lab
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering | Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
About the Position
- Salary: $70,000 per year
- Term: 12 months; renewal possible up to two years
- Benefits: Optional extended health and dental plan
- Union: PSAC Local 77000
- Preferred Start: December 2026; winter/spring starts considered
- Apply: Jennifer Drake (jennifer.drake@carleton.ca)
The Opportunity
Carleton University’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering invites applications for a 12-month postdoctoral fellowship in Sustainable Roofing Innovations for Climate-Adaptive Housing. The fellow will be jointly supervised by the Viau Timber Engineering Lab and the Drake Stormwater Research Group and will lead research on the structural performance and monitoring of integrated green-roof and photovoltaic (PV) systems, including systems
installed on mass-timber structures. The preferred start date is December 2026; winter or spring 2027 start dates may also be considered. Renewal may be possible for up to a total of two years.
About the Project
Canada’s housing and climate challenges create an opportunity to design roofs that do more than keep out rain. Green roofs can retain rainfall and provide cooling, while PV systems generate renewable electricity. When integrated, these technologies may help reduce stormwater runoff, energy demand and heat exposure. However, their adoption on low- and mid-rise housing remains limited by questions about cost, maintenance, safety and structural design.
The project will investigate how integrated green-roof and PV assemblies affect roof loading and structural performance. Added roof mass can influence gravity-load demands, while PV panels can alter wind loading and make connections between the panels and roof system particularly important. These questions are especially relevant to prescriptive design pathways for housing under Part 9 of the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC), and to the growing use of mass timber, including cross-laminated timber (CLT), in low- and mid-rise construction. As design standards and the NBCC move toward performance-based design, questions arise about how to implement these systems within that framework.
The project will instrument full-scale green-solar pilot roofs to measure the response of CLT panels supported by edge glue-laminated timber beams as roof moisture conditions and environmental loads change. Strategically located load cells will help characterize gravity loads associated with rainfall and snow, as well as wind-induced uplift associated with PV panels. The project will also examine how PV layouts influence wind effects, precipitation runoff and snow drift patterns. The fellow will lead the design, construction planning and structural instrumentation of the pilot roofs.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the structural design and development of the full-scale green-solar pilot roof systems, in collaboration with the supervisory team and project partners.
- Develop construction plans, sequencing and instrumentation layouts for the pilot installations.
- Specify, procure, install and commission strain, deflection and load sensors, together with the associated data acquisition system.
- Develop data-management and analysis workflows and interpret measurements of structural response under changing environmental and roof-moisture conditions.
- Work collaboratively with academic, industry and government partners, and contribute to interdisciplinary project planning.
- Prepare and assist in the preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international conferences.
- Mentor graduate and undergraduate students working on the project.
- Contribute to funding proposals and knowledge-mobilization materials for technical and non-technical audiences.
Required Qualifications
- A PhD in civil, structural, or timber engineering, or a closely related engineering or science discipline. Candidates who will have completed their degree by the start date may be considered.
- Experience leading and conducting structural experimental testing, preferably at large scale, and with strain, stress, deflection and load measurement systems.
- Experience with quantitative data analysis using software such as R, Python, Excel or MATLAB.
- A strong record of scholarly publication appropriate to career stage.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.
Assets
- Research experience in timber structures, mass-timber systems, structural engineering or structural health monitoring.
- Experience working on interdisciplinary, multi-partner research projects.
- Experience mentoring undergraduate and graduate students and supporting knowledge mobilization.
Supervision and Research Environment
The position will be jointly supervised by the Viau Timber Engineering Lab and the Drake Stormwater Research Group at Carleton University. Prof. Christian Viau is an Associate Professor in Structural Engineering. His research focuses on the structural performance of mass timber and engineered wood systems under extreme loading conditions,
including earthquakes, blast loads and impacts. He contributes to Canadian codes and standards, namely for wood design (CSA O86), blast design (CSA S850), and the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (CSA S6). Prof. Jennifer Drake is a Tier II Canada Research Chair in Stormwater and Low Impact Development. Her research advances stormwater management and green infrastructure, with an emphasis on sustainable design, performance, and operation and maintenance in Canadian climates. The fellow will work at the intersection of structural engineering, roofing systems, stormwater management and climate adaptation.
Compensation and Appointment
The annual salary is $70,000. The fellow may opt into an extended health and dental benefits plan. The position is unionized, with membership in PSAC Local 77000. Information about the bargaining unit is available at https://psac77000.ca/.
About Carleton University
Located in Ottawa, Canada, Carleton University is a dynamic research and teaching institution known for collaborative teaching, learning and research. Learn more about the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at https://carleton.ca/cee/ and about Carleton University at https://carleton.ca/provost.
Carleton University is committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment and social strength. We welcome applications from candidates who would contribute to the further diversification of our university, including women, visible minorities, First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Carleton recognizes that career paths vary; legitimate career interruptions will not prejudice the assessment process and their impact will be considered.
Accessibility and Accommodation
Applicants who require this posting in an alternate format are invited to contact us. If you are invited to interview, please let us know if accommodation is required so that appropriate arrangements can be made. We are committed to supporting the successful candidate and will discuss reasonable tools, resources or other workplace requirements as needed.
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae and contact information for at least two references to Jennifer Drake at jennifer.drake@carleton.ca. References will be contacted only for shortlisted candidates.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.