Research Scientist Domain Lead Thermodynamics

This is a senior individual contributor rolea domain expert position that does not carry direct people management responsibilities. As the Research Scientist Domain Lead for Thermodynamics you will serve as Vertivs principal technical expert on advanced cooling research provide strategic guidance on thermal innovation initiatives and coordinate research efforts across internal teams and external partners. You will contribute original research help prioritize thermodynamics projects within Vertivs Horizon 3 portfolio and ensure research activities align with both near-term product needs and long-term strategic positioning in AI and high-performance computing thermal management.

Reports to: Emerging Technology & Research Leader
Location: Columbus OH

RESPONSIBILITIES

Research & Technical Strategy

• Lead or co-lead research projects in advanced thermal management conducting original research in cooling technologies heat transfer or related thermal systems.
• Evaluate and prioritize research initiatives against killer assumptions and technical feasibility.
• Provide expert technical assessment and recommendations on research programs spanning: hybrid 1- and 2-phase direct-to-chip cooling heat-reuse architectures natural refrigerants cryogenic cooling systems and nano-particle fluid additives.
• Design conduct and validate experimental thermal testing programs.
• Present research outcomes and technical findings to internal stakeholders customers and executive leadership.
• Contribute to Vertivs intellectual property strategy by identifying patentable innovations and supporting patent development.

Cross-Functional Research Coordination

• Coordinate research efforts between internal teams (Power Systems Materials IT Infrastructure Business Units) and external research partners.
• Identify technical dependencies and interfaces across research programs.
• Provide expert thermal architecture guidance and cooling strategy recommendations for Vertiv product evaluations and system designs.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and technical collaboration across Vertivs thermal innovation initiatives.
• Coordinate with Vertiv Business Unit Advanced Technology & Strategy leaders to align research with product roadmaps.

External & University Partnerships

• Identify evaluate and recommend university and research institution partnerships to extend Vertivs thermodynamics capabilities.
• Represent Vertiv in technical collaborations research consortia and industry conferences.
• Build and maintain Vertivs reputation as a thought leader in advanced thermal management and cooling innovation.

PREFERRED AREA OF TECHNOLOGICAL FOCUS:

• Single-phase and two-phase heat transfer and cooling systems
  • Direct-to-chip cooling architectures
  • Thermal management for high-power-density electronics
  • Heat exchanger design and optimization
  • Alternative refrigerants and cryogenic systems
  • Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) or thermal modeling

REQUIREMENTS

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering Thermodynamics Thermal Engineering Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
• Masters degree in a relevant engineering discipline may be considered with exceptional research and development experience in thermal management systems (8 years).
• 5 years of professional experience in thermodynamics or thermal systems research development or applied engineering.
• Design and execution of experimental thermal testing programs.
• Experience leading or co-leading research projects (no direct management required) across multiple technical disciplines and university or government research partnerships

Research Innovation

• Track record of identifying and developing novel research directions.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize solutions from interdisciplinary research and collaboration.

• Travel: 1015% for research collaboration meetings university partnerships customer technical engagements and technical conferences.

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