1-2 Postdoctoral positions (2 years) within Building and Energy Technology for the Intelligent Human-Buildings Interaction Lab - ,

The Department of Applied Physics and Electronics seeks up to two postdoctoral researchers who will work in the Intelligent Human-Buildings Interaction Lab. The employment is full-time for two years with access on March 1st, 2024 or by agreement. Application deadline is January, 31, 2024.

Project description and working tasks 
Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) stand as a groundbreaking solution devised to expedite the process of decarbonization and facilitate the shift towards climate-neutral urban areas in Europe. These districts are designed to produce net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and actively manage an annual local or regional surplus production of renewable energy. However, achieving climate neutrality involves more than just technological advancements; the behavior of occupants emerges as a pivotal factor influencing the success of these initiatives. The overarching goal of this research project is to comprehensively explore the interactions between PEDs and occupants, aiming to cultivate a resilient climate-neutral transformation.

The position is intended to strengthen the IHBI lab and become a strong contributor to the research activities at Department of Applied Physics and Electronics.

More specifically, the holder of this position shall:

• Systematically examine and analyze the dynamics between Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) and the behaviors of occupants, with the aim of optimizing PEDs to attain climate neutrality
• Conduct a comprehensive exploration of the socio-technical interplay between advanced building energy efficiency technologies and occupants, considering diverse climate conditions and the demographics of occupants
• Implement the Auroral project pilot service, including integration with the Auroral middleware platform, conducting tests to ensure interoperability of the service

Qualifications 
To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirements must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the appointment decision.

To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organisations, military service, or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area. Postdoctoral fellows who are to teach or supervise must have taken relevant courses in teaching and learning in higher education.

Applicants should have documented expertise and demonstrated research competence in at least one of the following areas: human-building interaction, phase change materials, building/urban energy modelling, or positive energy districts.

Good knowledge of English, both spoken and written, as well as an excellent ability to write scientific publications, is a requirement. Significant importance will also be placed on personal qualities such as teamwork and communication skills, as well as initiative and the ability to work independently.

Application 
A full application should include:

• Cover letter with a brief description of your motivation for applying and merits that make you fit well into the positions (maximum 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae (CV) with publication list
• Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained
• Verified copies of other diplomas, list of completed academic courses and grades
• Copy of doctoral thesis and up to 3 relevant articles
• Describe your research plan of relevance to the project (maximum 3 pages)
• Other documents that the applicant wishes to claim
• Contact information to two persons willing to act as references

The application must be written in English or Swedish. The application is made through our electronic recruitment system. Documents sent electronically must be in Word or PDF format. Log in to the system and apply via the button at the end of this page. The closing date is January 31, 2024. Further details are provided by Professor Weizhuo Lu, weizhuo.lu@umu.se, +46 73 836 9536.