PhD in planning support for energy renovation of existing buildings

The Department of Energy and Environment excels in research and education related to energy, environment and sustainable development ranging from a global perspective to industrial, building and product issues. The focus is on experimental and theoretical research on energy technology as well as on development, use and evaluation of methods and tools for analysis of technical systems. In total around 200 persons are active at the six divisions of the department.
Information about the research/the project/the division
Building Services Engineering is first of all about design and dimensioning of systems and technical installations (electricity, heat, ventilation, air conditioning, i.e. HVAC) to meet the functional requirements (thermal comfort, air quality, etc) in buildings. To some extent it also deals with the external systems that supply buildings with electricity and heat. Building Services Engineering has a strong focus on energy efficiency (same benefit with less resources) and consulting firms, facility managers, energy enterprises and component manufacturers are typical working places.

Building services engineering is mainly based on the following fundamental branches of technology: thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics and electrical engineering. The aim of the graduate study programme in building services engineering is to deepen the knowledge of the specialization and to develop research skills that qualify for a rewarding career as an engineer, researcher, or teacher.

The details of the departmental research activities may be found at http://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/ee/organisation/building_services_engineering/Pages/default.aspx

Major responsibilities
The research project is focused on energy efficiency measures in relation to maintenance measures on existing multifamily buildings. The project builds on previous cooperation on energy renovation within Milparena (network) and comprises a deeper cooperation on decision support. The goal is to describe two to four topics that will lead to profitable energy efficiency measures.

The research project involves evaluation of existing projects as well as technical and economic calculations for planned projects. The research project is carried out in close cooperation with Framtiden (main municipal housing actor in Göteborg).

Your major responsibilities as PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing, both in Swedish and in English. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
Admission as a doctoral student normally requires a Master of Science degree in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, engineering physics, or chemical engineering.  For this specific position a degree in mechanical or civil engineering together with previous experience from building energy simulations and economics will be valued as an advantage.

To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in Swedish and English. Applicants who do not have Swedish as native language should be able to teach in Swedish after two years of employment. Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Application deadline: 2014-01-10

For questions, please contact:
Professor Jan-Olof Dalenbäck
jan-olof.dalenback@chalmers.se
+46-31-772-1153




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Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society.

The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!