The Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory Life Cycle Assessment and Circular Economy (LIRIDE) research focus on life cycle assessment and its applications in several sectors. Internationally recognized for its work and its previous years of applied scientific research, the LIRIDE research group supports the industry, SMEs, governments, and organizations in their commitment to true sustainable development supported by life cycle assessment and the circular economy. Located at the University of Sherbrooke (Canada), LIRIDE offers a friendly and professional working environment. Hereby, LIRIDE is seeking applications for the following PhD position.
About the role
Project title: Development of Performance-Based Environmental Criteria for Wood Construction.
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​This PhD project is part of a research partnership involving Université Laval, government agencies, and professionals from the building sector. It is based on the development of a model to simulate optimal greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction trajectories at various scales, with the goal of supporting the development of policies, standards, and action plans to decarbonize the Canadian building sector. The project brings together LIRIDE’s expertise in life cycle assessment (LCA) and the building expertise of key players in the construction industry.
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Several uncertainties remain regarding the material performance thresholds (environmental and thermal) needed to maximize environmental benefits without compromising the sector’s economic competitiveness. This PhD research aims to define these thresholds (kWh/m², embodied energy, carbon footprint) for wood-based building envelopes using life cycle assessment (LCA) and the Parc2050 model. Conducted in collaboration with the MELCCFP and other government and industry stakeholders, this project will generate technical and scientific recommendations to support the evolution of building codes toward a performance-based environmental approach.
Qualifications
Your qualifications must include:
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A master's level university degree in civil, building, mechanical or environmental engineering, or similar studies with excellent grades.
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A strong interest in modelling (ex. Environmental engineering) and in programming (ex. Python) would be an important advantage.
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Your admission will be subject to the standard rules of the University of Sherbrooke (funding assured for the entire duration of the PhD project).
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You are expected to contribute to teaching and research activities of the laboratory up to a maximum of 20% of your working time.
Daily work
The work will be carried out within an interdisciplinary team of LIRIDE, in close collaboration with the various stakeholders in the initiative. The team will consist of one PhD student, one postdoc and researchers. In addition, an integral part of your work is to publish your results in peer-reviewed journals and present them at international conferences.
Admission
We look forward to receiving your online application including:
Resume
Cover letter
Credentials
Two references
We will begin interviewing candidates as soon as a sufficient number of applications are received.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.