Doctoral student in ICT-support for energy-efficient building design - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The Department of Building and Environmental Technology has a stimulating and international environment consisting of PhD students, postdocs and teachers from many parts of the world. Here, research and teaching take place in an open and progressive climate with challenges and collaborations both within academia and with industry partners, both nationally and internationally. The work environment is characterized by commitment, collaboration, creativity and personal responsibility

This position will be based at the Division of Energy and Building Design (EBD) at LTH, working from the LHT campus in Lund. The division offers a leading-edge and highly international workplace with a focus on the design of energy-efficient, environmentally friendly buildings. The division maintains close relationships with relevant industrial partners and delivers a cutting-edge MSc on Energy-efficient and Environmental Building Design, with ample opportunity to explore and test ICT technologies in class or through dissertation research.
More information about the Division (ebd.lth.se).

Research subject

Construction and Architecture (Dep. of Architecture and Built Environment)

Subject and project description

The project will explore the use of advanced ICT technologies, such as building information modelling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Building Performance Simulation (BPS), to support the design and engineering of energy-efficient buildings. The research will be embedded in an international context through participation in IEA Annex 91 on open BIM for Energy Efficient Buildings (https://annex91.iea-ebc.org). 

Whilst the use of BIM to support BPS has been pursued since the 1990s, there are still many challenges to overcome to ensure a seamless integration between BIM and BPS. Furthermore, the domain of BPS is expanding rapidly, leaving users with a wide choice of first-principle based algorithms and machine learning approaches. This project will advance the concept of tool interoperability, looking at bi-directional data exchange between various applications and BIM. It will explore the different challenges related to model selection, model resolution, model fidelity, and adapting models to a specific building design and engineering context. The research will take a process-based approach, looking in-depth at information flows between data repositories and different building performance models. This project will particularly investigate the use of open BIM (IFC schema). It will explore workflows for different stages of the design process: early stage, technical design, and post-occupancy building operation. Anticipated results include processes, tools, guidelines, best-practice descriptions, and deep insights into ways of engineering energy-efficient buildings. 

Work duties

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 can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%). You will make a contribution to the domain of building science and automation, particularly developing novel knowledge on the use of various ICT systems to support energy-efficient building design.

Detailed description of the work duties:

• Exploration of specific workflows and data pipelines between various repositories of information and models with different abstraction and resolution in relation to BIM and BPS.
• Creation of a range of workflows, models, scripts and schedules that implement building physics equations within an advanced ICT system.
• Critical reflection on potential development and evolution of the BIM and BPS toolchain.
• Engagement with a range of academic and industrial partners.

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 Construction and Architecture (Dep. of Architecture and Built Environment) 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:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• MSc degree in Energy-Efficient and Environmental Buildings, computer science, building physics, architectural engineering or equivalent.
• Experience in the use of building performance simulation.

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:

• Deep understanding of fundamental equations in building physics pertaining to air flow and heat transfer through building elements.
• Knowledge of building information modelling (BIM), International Foundation Classes (IFC) and ontologies.
• High motivation and a sincere interest in this particular project.

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

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University

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 §§.

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.).

We look forward to receiving your application.