Om arbeidsgiveren
KU Leuven is an autonomous university. It was founded in 1425. It was born of and has grown within the Catholic tradition.
Besøk arbeidsgiverens sideKU Leuven is an autonomous university. It was founded in 1425. It was born of and has grown within the Catholic tradition.
Besøk arbeidsgiverens sideThe PhD position in the Science, Engineering and Technology group at KU Leuven is supervised by Prof. Jan Wurm from the research group “Architectural Engineering” of the Department of Architecture, Sint-Lucas Brussels and Ghent Campuses and by Prof. Chiara Piccardo from the research group “Building Physics and Sustainable Design” of the Department of Civil Engineering, Ghent and Aalst Campuses, under the cutting edge collaborative research project ‘DigiFab - Digital Process Chain for Energy Renovations Using Prefabrication’, funded by the EU Horizon program.
The PhD position is primarily based at the Leuven Campus (Arenberg), with research periods at the Ghent Campus. It is envisaged that the PhD Candidate will carry put regular visits to our key industry partner in Austria.
KU Leuven is a highly international university that ranks among the best in the world in terms of research and innovation. It is spread over several campuses in Flanders (Belgium). The Architectural Engineering research group aims for innovation in the design of buildings by approaching architecture from an integrated design engineering point of view. The emphasis is on the technical aspects of architecture: structure, materials, services, and comfort requirements are considered in a multidisciplinary setting in order quantify, assess, and improve the quality, cost, and sustainability of buildings and the built environment. One growing research line is the exploration of bio-based building materials and construction methods to develop and test novel building systems taking full advantage of bio-based materials, processes and properties within the context of a regenerative, circular bioeconomy. The research group Building Physics and Sustainable Design carries out performance analysis of buildings in their environment, using methods for holistic design, construction and operation of high performance buildings.
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The project aims to transform the renovation process by developing a digital workflow and adaptable prefabricated modules to achieve zero emission building standards following the EPBD. The objectives are to reduce environmental impact, renovation time and costs through data centralization, co-creation with occupants, automation and use of bio-based materials. The position is embedded in an international consortium of leading partners from industry and academia with a focus on applied research, to develop and test façade retrofit solutions up to a Technical Readiness Level of TRL8.
On one side, the research requires practical attitude for developing building solutions. On the other side, the research is challenged by the definition of suitable research methods for testing and assessing such innovative solutions.
As a PhD Researcher, you will be expected to do the following:
Engage with stakeholders in industry to understand challenges in practice and identify needs for applied research and innovation pathways.
Pro-actively collaborate with colleagues at KU Leuven and beyond to establish an integrated inter-disciplinary research basis and foster partnerships and networks.
Support teaching activities related to research field at bachelor’s and master’s degree (not exceeding 20% of your time).
Actively participate in the science community with one peer reviewed research paper and one presentation at an international conference per year.
Support approx. one grant application per year in a related field.
Oversee student assistants and support their development.
Spend at least 50% of your time on campus.
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with the following attributes:
You have a Master's degree in one of the following fields: Building Technology, Architecture, Timber Construction, Civil Engineering (Technology), or Product Design with emphasis on (bio-based) building systems.
As the employment should start as soon as possible, in the case of non-EU candidates, a valid visum or the ability to obtain one at short notice is a requirement.
You have relevant theoretical and practical experience in building technology, bio-based materials and building physics, sustainability and life cycle assessment. Professional experience is an asset.
You have well-developed written and oral communication skills in English. Knowledge of the German language is an asset.
You are proactive, with a demonstrable ability to work independently while also being part of a team.
You are willing to travel between the Leuven and Ghent Campuses and also to spend a research stay for secondment in another research institution in Austria.
You have excellent time management, communication, and coordination skills, dealing with a number of different project partners.
An international work environment with dedicated colleagues, situated in the hearth of Europe. The Leuven and Ghent Campuses are a welcoming facility located a few minutes away from the historical city centres. Furthermore, both cities are located in a strategic position, with excellent transport connections to the main cities of Belgium and neighbourhood countries. Further information can be found on the website of the university: https://www.kuleuven.be/english/life-at-ku-leuven
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Applications should be submitted through KU Leuven’s online platform with:
1. detailed Curriculum Vitae,
2. a motivation letter of max. 2 pages, including a description of your research interests, your background and expertise in relation to the required attributes,
3. An excerpt of your project portfolio presenting 3 selected projects relevant to the vacancy,
4. BSc and MSc degree transcripts attached,
5. Names and contact information of two references,
6. Proof of well-developed written and oral communication skills in English.
For more information please contact Prof. Dr. Jan Wurm, mail: jan.wurm@kuleuven.be.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
KU Leuven is an autonomous university. It was founded in 1425. It was born of and has grown within the Catholic tradition.
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