The expertise of the Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory on Sustainable Engineering and Ecodesign (LIRIDE) focuses on life cycle impact assessment. Internationally recognized for its scientific research, LIRIDE supports industry, SMEs, 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 is seeking applications for the following position.
About the role
Project title: Simplification of building LCA through structured sub-characterization and probabilistic sampling
This PhD project is part of a research partnership with the non-profit organization Écohabitation, which is driven by environmental issues in the construction field in Quebec and Canada. In order to disseminate the use of LCA in the field of construction for multiple stakeholders, this project combines the expertise of LIRIDE and Écohabitation partners.
This project is based on the development and generalization of the structured sub-characterization approach of inventory data followed by probabilistic sampling applied to buildings. The first step is to define hierarchical levels describing at different degrees of precision materials over their entire life cycle and energies used. The following step is the characterization of the uncertainties associated with each element (materials, energy), knowing that there are several types of uncertainties on the parameters. Subsequently, the probabilistic sampling method will be used for each level, in order to identify the set of inventory elements that are particularly relevant for a more precise characterization. This sampling will be carried out using a Monte-Carlo simulation and GSA techniques. This will result in a set of inventory items representing with given confidence the impact threshold by building archetypes.
Qualifications
Your qualifications should include:
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A master's level university degree in civil, building, mechanical, environmental engineering or similar studies with excellent grades.
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A strong interest in modeling would be an important advantage
Your admission will be subject to the standard rules of the University of Sherbrooke (funding assured for the entire PhD). The project will start as soon as possible or upon mutual agreement.
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 partner. The team will consist of one master’s student, two PhD students, one postdoctoral fellow 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
Credentials
Cover letter
Two references
We will begin interviewing candidates by the end of the year / early next year.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.