Empa - Eth Zurich Phd Position in Urban Resource - ETH Zürich

ETH Zürich

Geprüftes Unternehmen

Zurich, Schweiz

vor 2 Wochen

Geschrieben von:

Lena Schneider

beBee Recruiter

Beschreibung

Empa - ETH Zurich PhD position in urban resource mapping:

100%, Zurich, fixed-term:

Empa is the research institute for materials science and technology of the ETH Domain and conducts cutting-edge research for the benefit of industry and the well-being of society.

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology.

The Urban Energy Systems Laboratory at Empa develops models and concepts for innovative building and decentralized energy system technologies based on renewable energy, including prototypes and demonstration plants.

The Chair of Circular Engineering for Architecture (CEA) at ETH Zurich develops research on matching the supply and demand of reused materials in the built environment through digitalization for circularity.

Together, we are exploring digital innovations such as LiDAR scanning tools, Geographic Information System (GIS), satellite imaging, and Google data to feed the creation of material and resource passports platforms.

This will enable us to evaluate at an urban scale which buildings will be demolished or retrofitted and could become material mines in the future.

In order to create a decision-making tool that helps with the optimal energy transformations and material flows within a city, we analyze trade-offs simultaneously.

We are looking for a postdoc and PhD student to strengthen our scientific team.

Job description:

You will work on developing a computational design method for direct feedback on both embodied and operational impacts of design decisions concerning the reuse of building materials.

Combining tools from computer science and environmental architecture, you will look at optimization methods for finding the perfect fit for waste materials in an urban context, to lower waste generation, greenhouse gas emissions, and resource depletion.

To do so, you will need to collaborate closely with the industry to assess the condition of existing building materials using digital, non-destructive assessment tools.

You will publish in scientific journals and conferences and present at public events for the general public.

You will analyze the availability and potential of reusable components and underperforming urban spaces.

This PhD position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the advancement of regenerative urban development by rethinking City Digital Twins, promoting circular construction practices, and maximizing the potential of underperforming spaces.

You will be estimating the stock of reusable building components within buildings and identifying underutilized urban roofs and spaces that can be repurposed.

Leveraging community-driven information can allow for more holistic urban resource representation, therefore workflows that incorporate crowd-sourced data for urban space planning and reuse should be explored.

Experience or strong interest in the manipulation and analysis of geospatial data, especially geoAI is required. Their topic can also be approached from a blockchain technology perspective.

Your profile:

We are seeking a highly motivated and dedicated individual with a degree in civil and environmental engineering, architecture, computer science or similar.

You should have profound and interdisciplinary knowledge in energy, environmental impact, design optimization, and building technology. Programming experience in Python or similar languages are preferred. You should be interested to work closely with industry and research partners in the construction sector. You should have excellent written and spoken language skills in English (and knowing German is a plus).

Requirements:

MasteMaster'see in architecture, engineering, urban planning, housing, life cycle assessment, computer science, or related fields;
Strong research skills with experience in circular economy practices and material reuse;
Proficiency in data analysis and database management;
Knowledge of Life Cycle Assessment of buildings;
Knowledge of Machine Learning, scanning technologies, GIS, and Building Information Modeling is preferred;
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities;
Strong communication and writing skills.

We offer:

We are offering a multifaceted and challenging position in a modern research environment with excellent infrastructure.

You will also be connected to different labs at EMPA and ETH Zurich, in order to carry out highly interdisciplinary work.

We value diversity:

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture.

We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected.

Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So are we
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Applications are only accepted through the online portal and s