Two PhD Positions in Dynamic Life Cycle Assessment and Energy Simulation of Building Renovation Strategies

Description

The School of Engineering, Liège Université, and the Louvain Research Institute for Landscape, Architecture, Building (LAB) are opening two full-time joint-PhD positions (four years) on the dynamic life cycle assessment and energy simulation of building renovation strategies.

This work aims to develop a dynamic life cycle energy and greenhouse gas emissions analysis model for retrofitting residential buildings. The model will be developed based on a data-driven parameterization and simulation of renovation solutions across the dimensions of geometry, climate, materials, building systems, and energy mixes. The project name is Dynamic Renowave, and its overarching aim is to enable retrofitting residential buildings based on a data-driven decision support system so that renovations result in a net reduction of life cycle greenhouse gas emissions. The research method is based on coupling building energy simulation data during the building use stage with life cycle assessment data across the production, construction, and end-of-life stages. A bottom-up parametric decision support system for renovations and a user-friendly interactive dashboard will inform solutions that result in a net reduction in life cycle energy use and greenhouse gas emissions for multiple future scenarios. This will ensure that the European Renovation Wave does not paradoxically result in rebound greenhouse gas emissions, as was the case with some building operational energy efficiency schemes.

The first position is oriented more closely towards dynamic energy simulation and will start at ULiège, while the second position is oriented more closely towards life cycle assessment and will start at UCLouvain.

Both candidates will work closely with her/his supervisors (Shady Attia at ULiège and André Stephan at the UCLouvain) and will be connected to the international network of researchers of both supervisors. Both universities are located in two French-speaking cities in Belgium. The research will be conducted jointly at both institutions, with a period of 2 years at each institution. The candidate will have opportunities to be involved in teaching, research seminars, and upskilling workshops, where relevant, throughout her/his candidature. This job is posted on February 1, 2023 and expires May 2023. Reposting after expiry date is not allowed.

Function

We are looking for two highly motivated doctoral candidates to join our groups and contribute to the ongoing scientific research project dealing with Life Cycle Assessment and Energy Simulation of Building Renovation Strategies. The candidate's duties will include the following:

• Publication of research results in English
• Presentation of research results at international conferences
• Defending a doctoral thesis under the supervision of the supervisors
• Educational support, among other things, in the form of supervising master's theses and exercises

How to apply?

To apply, please submit the required documentation as specified below.

1. A cover letter;
2. A detailed CV of the candidate;
3. A detailed response to each of the essential and desired selection criteria;
4. Academic transcripts of the candidate for their Bachelor's and Masters Degrees (translated into English if they are not in English, French, or Dutch).
5. Proof of English Proficiency (e.g., minimum Academic IELTS band 7.5+ across, TOEFL IBT 105+ (minimum 24 on each band), master thesis in English, published journal or conference papers in English as first author, etc.).

All files should be converted to PDF, numbered in the order above, and submitted as a single ZIP file, named with the following format: <LastName_FirstName>.zip and emailed to Shady.Attia@uliege.be for the energy simulation position and to Andre.Stephan@uclouvain.be for the LCA position with the email subject being: “Application for Ph.D. position Dynamic Renowave”. Failure to comply with any of the specifications above will lead to an outright dismissal of the application.

Benefits

• A joint Ph.D. experience at the forefront of research in world-leading research-intensive universities
• An attractive salary (including health cover) and guaranteed additional operating funds throughout the joint Ph.D. to attend conferences, for fieldwork, etc. Candidates will be fully funded (tax-free monthly allowance, approx. 2,200 € at the doctoral level) for up to 4 years.
• State-of-the-art research training in a critical and emerging field
• Both universities offer a comprehensive and innovative training program, which enables early-career scientists to carry out their research in the best possible conditions, in compliance with the European Charter for Researchers.

Skills/Qualifications

The candidate must address each of the essential and desirable selection criteria for each position.

Essential criteria:

For both positions:

1. A Master’s Degree in Architectural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Building Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Science, or equivalent, with a minimum of 75% on average;
2. A Master thesis, worth at least 25% of the master’s degree, obtained with a minimum of 75%;
3. Commitment and ability to work independently but also well in a team and show sufficient initiative;
4. Good interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to interact with university staff at all levels; and
5. Excellent command of English, both written and spoken(can be demonstrated by English Language tests, i.e., IELTS 7.5+ across all bands, TOEFL IBT 105+ with 24+ across all bands, within two years from the date of application, a master thesis written in English, or an academic journal or conference papers in English, as a sole or first author).
6. Strong analytical ability and a sense of synthesis.
7. Ability to successfully defend a Ph.D. research under supervision.

 

For the LCA position:

8. Demonstrated skills and/or experience in life cycle assessment and/or urban metabolism and/or industrial ecology;

For the energy simulation position:

9. Demonstrated skills and/or experience in building energy simulation

Desirable criteria for both positions

10. Demonstrated skills and/or experience in Python programming language.

Selection Process

The selection process will occur in five stages:

1. All interested candidates submit their applications for one of the two positions, as instructed in the description and by Friday the 17^th of March 2023, 5 pm Brussels time
2. The applications are screened and reviewed – Mid-April 2023
3. Short-listed applicants are invited to an interview (either in person or by video conference) – By the End of April 2023
4. Short-listed applicants will be interviewed – By the end of May 2023
5. All interviewed applicants are informed of the outcome of their interview, and the selected applicant is informed of her/his success – Start of June 2023
6. The selected applicant for each position applies, if relevant, for a Visa and takes care of the administrative work for an effective start between September 2023.

This job is posted on the February 1, 2023 and expires May 2023. Reposting after expiry date is not allowed.