Doctoral student in Building Physics focusing on sustainable buildings and future climate - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Building and Environmental Technology conducts research and teaching in the construction of buildings, bridges, dams, water pipes regarding their function, safety, environmental impact and sustainability.

At the department of Building Physics research on heat, moisture and air transfer through building components and buildings is done. The research results are used to develop building parts, such as foundations, external walls, windows and roofs. The goal is to create energy-efficient, durable and moisture-proof houses with a good indoor environment and low environmental impact.

Work duties

A sustainable development requires reduced use of resources for construction and heating. Thicker thermal insulation, new building parts and changed ventilation rate affect the properties of the buildings. This has sometimes resulted in moisture damage such as discoloration, mold growth, bad odors and rot. Actions to avoid these damages includes doing research that leads to updated building codes, standards and handbooks. The development of calculation tools has increased the possibilities of predicting moisture-related problems.

The doctoral project aims to support the construction industry in designing and erecting energy-efficient buildings, and renovating existing ones to new construction standards, so that the risk of moisture damage is minimized. If moisture damage is avoided, sustainable buildings are created that reduce the need for energy. In addition, resources are saved to produce materials, increases the life of the building and reduces the need for transport. It is critical to also take into account ongoing climate changes that place new demands on our buildings. For energy performance, there are methods for developing and managing dimensioning climates that are used as boundary conditions in calculations. For moisture safety, however, there is a lack of good tools for producing dimensioning climates, this applies both to current and future climates. The project therefore includes both studying moisture-proof solutions, which provide a sustainable construction, and developing a dimensioning climate that is used to calculate the moisture safety of the produced constructions.

The main task for doctoral students is to dedicate themselves to their doctoral education, which includes both participation in research projects and doctoral education courses. The duties also include participation in teaching and other institutional work, however, a maximum of 20% of the working time. Teaching takes place mainly in Swedish.

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.

The specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Building Physics are met by those who have:

• 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.

Finally, it is required that the student is judged to have the ability needed to pass the education.

Other requirements:

• Good knowledge in English, both spoken and written.

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:

• Knowledge relevant to the research project described above, for example in statistics, knowledge of materials, risk assessment, etc.
• Good knowledge in Swedish, both spoken and written, is an advantage for the research project and with regards to teaching.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, 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 or Swedish 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.).