Doctoral student in Building Services Engineering with focus on sustainability and energy sharing - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description - Building Services Engineering

The subject deals with - in the light of human environmental requirements - buildings' room climate and energy supply, services systems for heating, cooling, ventilation, water, sanitation and electricity and their interaction with the building in general towards a sustainable future. The scientific field includes theoretical and experimental analyzes of building services and technical systems. System optimization with a special focus on collaboration between the building services and the building in general, operation and maintenance of the systems and low energy use consumption.  

Project description and work duties

District heating and cooling systems are important systems for energy distribution, where the new fifth generation system enables simultaneous supply of heating and cooling, developed to suit today's energy-efficient buildings with low distribution losses. Theoretical calculation models for these systems have been developed in both previous and ongoing research. In this study, theoretical research is applied to a demonstration project in Malmö, Embassy of Sharing, where buildings with various activities are connected to an energy sharing system for heating and cooling. A geothermal system with heat pumps and cooling towers is the basis of the energy sharing system, which supplies the buildings with heat and cooling via four distribution pipes with different temperatures.

In this research project, the doctoral student will analyze opportunities for sharing heating and cooling energy between properties and how this works in a real project. The work involves describing, evaluating, simulating and analyzing the energy system and its functions in a transparent and easily accessible way. Evaluation takes place of, among other things, possible energy sharing, need for energy supplements, indoor comfort and user perspective. This is done with energy simulations and measurements as well as interviews, surveys and comparisons with other alternative solutions. The result from the project will be used as independent and objective information when choosing energy distribution systems for cooling and heating in future urban development projects.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements 

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant: 

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Building Services Engineering if the applicant has: 

• at least 90 credits in subjects of relevance to the field including at least 60 second-cycle credits and a second-cycle degree project of at least 30 credits in the field, or
•  a second-cycle degree in a relevant field.

Additional requirements:

• Good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following: 

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• Good oral and written proficiency in Swedish. The work will be performed in cooperation with the Swedish building industry and teaching is preformed mainly in Swedish.
• Knowledge relevant to the research project described above, for example in energy, simulations, evaluations, etc.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills and interest, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment 

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).