Doctoral Researcher (PhD candidate)

The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) at the University of Luxembourg contributes multidisciplinary expertise in the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences and Medicine.
Through its dual mission of teaching and research, the FSTM seeks to generate and disseminate knowledge and train new generations of responsible citizens in order to better understand, explain and advance society and the environment we live in.

The Department of Engineering (DoE) is a dynamic, interdisciplinary group engaged in civil, electrical and mechanical engineering, driving forward innovative research and solutions. It also has an internationally leading profile in computational science and engineering. We develop cutting-edge technologies, promoting the sustainable and economical use of resources, and meeting the technological demands of Luxembourg, the Greater Region, and beyond. Nearly all research projects are supported by a network of national and international partnerships, several with public or industrial stakeholders. At the University, the Department cooperates across faculties and with the interdisciplinary centres. In particular, the new interdisciplinary centre focused on complex environmental systems opens up significant opportunities for future collaborations.

The Research Group for Building Energy and Building Services Engineering, led by Prof. Dr Frank Scholzen within the Department of Engineering of the Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, is seeking a highly motivated Doctoral Researcher (PhD candidate).

As a doctoral researcher, you will be enrolled in the Doctoral School in Science and Engineering within the doctoral programme in Engineering Sciences, which provides interdisciplinary, internationally competitive research training in a collaborative academic environment. The PhD project focuses on the energy transition in the building heating sector, a key pillar of the decarbonisation of the European energy system.

Your role

Your research will involve the collection and analysis of real-world data, as well as the application of digital, physical, and data-driven modelling approaches to develop and evaluate solutions for decarbonising the heating sector, with a particular focus on the existing building stock.

Your Mission:

• Conduct high-quality research on the energy transition and decarbonisation of the building heating sector
• Develop and apply modelling and simulation methods to analyse future energy system scenarios
• Collect, process, and interpret real-world data to support your research analysis
• Collaborate with industrial and academic partners at national and international level
• Disseminate research outcomes through publications in scientific journals and presentations at international conferences
• Contribute to teaching activities, including approximately 1-2 contact hours per week or the equivalent through student supervision

Your profile

• A Master's degree in Engineering: Energy, Mechanical, Electrical or a related field
• Solid background in the energy domain, especially building energy
• Interest and skills in numerical modelling
• Operational Language Requirements: Excellent command of English (C1); a good knowledge of either German or French (B1) is a strong asset

Academic Eligibility (Thesis):

Applicants must demonstrate at least B2-level proficiency in the language of their thesis. For details and accepted certificates, please visit the Application for admission - Doctoral Candidates.

We offer

• A modern, dynamic university with a personal and inclusive atmosphere. Multilingual and international character. Staff coming from more than 90 countries. Member of The Guild of European Research Intensive Universities
• An exceptional research environment, supported by skilled staff and high-quality equipment. Strong links to professional sectors and the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban campus with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and a wide range of non-academic partners including ministries, local governments, associations, and NGOs

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter presenting your motivation for this doctoral thesis topic, and explaining how your qualifications and aspirations align with its academic focus
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL08415

The yearly gross salary for every Doctoral researcher at the UL is EUR 44531 (full time).