About the Opportunity

This three-year research project seeks to address critical challenges in designing resilient, healthy, and energy-efficient homes, aligning with the UK’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. With the rising demand for sustainable construction, the UK building sector faces unique challenges in balancing technical feasibility, regulatory compliance, and financial constraints. This project will delve into inter-zonal thermodynamics and fluid dynamics to uncover how heat and air transfer can be optimized within and between indoor and outdoor building environments. By refining heating and ventilation strategies, this research aims to significantly reduce energy demand while maintaining healthy indoor air quality.

The research will be conducted within the Department of Architecture and Built Environment, a hub for innovative solutions in sustainable building design.

Key Responsibilities:

As a PhD student, you will:

• Conduct in-depth research on building physics and its role in energy-efficient design and operation.
• Develop and validate computational models to study heat and air transfer dynamics in buildings.
• Investigate practical applications of refined heating and ventilation strategies to reduce energy demand.
• Collaborate with academic and industry partners to translate theoretical findings into actionable solutions.
• Present findings at international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Eligibility Requirements

We are looking for motivated candidates who meet the following criteria:

• Academic Qualifications:
  • Possess or expect to obtain a 2:1 or first-class degree in Engineering, Physical Sciences, or a related discipline (or equivalent for international students).
• Skills and Experience:
  • Demonstrated knowledge of building science and technology with an interest in low-carbon buildings, indoor air quality, and sustainability.
  • Strong computational skills in ANSYS Fluent, Python, MATLAB, or similar software.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Eligibility:
  • Open to UK and international applicants. UK students receive full funding, including a stipend (£19,237 per annum), while international students receive tuition fee support (no stipend). Additional industry funding may be available, subject to approval.

What We Offer

• Financial Support:
  • Full tuition fees for UK and international students.
  • A tax-free annual stipend of £19,237 for UK students (2024/25 rate).
  • Potential for additional industry-funded support.
• Research Environment:
  • Access to state-of-the-art facilities within the Department of Architecture and Built Environment.
  • Opportunities to collaborate with leading academics and industry partners.
  • Training in cutting-edge computational and analytical techniques.
• Professional Development:
  • Present your work at conferences, workshops, and seminars.
  • Build a strong foundation for a career in sustainable building design and research.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send the following documents to Dr. Xiaofeng (Ken) Zheng referencingthe project title:

1. Cover Letter: Outline your interest in the project, relevant skills, and career aspirations.
2. CV: Provide an up-to-date academic and professional résumé.
3. Academic Transcripts: Include copies of all relevant educational certificates.

Application Deadline: 30th January 2025