Indoor air quality

Position summary
EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne) invites applications for a PhD student position in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering. The PhD position will be based in the Human-Oriented Built Environment Lab (HOBEL) at the EPFL Fribourg campus. HOBEL’s research interest is centered on air quality engineering, emphasizing two main interconnected research themes:

1. Sources, Concentrations and Dynamics in Pollutants in Indoor Air
2. Indoor Air Monitoring and Smart Ventilation

Your profile
HOBEL is committed to investing in the next generation of exceptional researchers, and applications are welcomed from high-caliber candidates. Successful candidates should:

1. Hold a Master’s degree (or to be near its completion) in Civil, Architectural, Environmental, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
2. Be interested in topics related to building sustainability, HVAC systems, building ventilation, indoor air quality (aerosol dynamics, indoor particulate matter, human exposure, etc), human factors/human perception related to the built environment, human productivity, health and well-being in the built environment.
3. Have strong interest and aptitude in experiments, field campaigns, simulations and data analysis.
4. Be team-oriented and have strong interpersonal skills.
5. Possess strong written and oral communication skills in English.
6. Solid programming and data handling skills (MATLAB, R, Python, or similar) are desirable.

Main duties and responsibilities

1. Cutting-edge research including experimental design, data collection and analysis, and dissemination.
2. Collaboration with international project partners.
3. Teaching assistantship.
4. Occasional supervision of MSc students.

How to apply
Applicants should send in a single PDF file (max. 3 MB) including a motivation letter describing their qualifications and research interests (max. 2 pages), a CV including GPA, publication list (if applicable) and names/e-mail addresses for 2-3 references to: Prof. Dusan Licina: dusan.licina@epfl.ch
with the following email subject: “PhD application – Indoor Air Quality”.

Timelines
Intended start date for PhD students is in early 2025; however, some degree of flexibility is permitted. Applications are being reviewed as received with an interest in early appointment.

What we offer

1. A research project that will allow you to make a strong contribution to the research community and the society.
2. National and international development opportunities through collaborations within EPFL and universities abroad.
3. Experimental experience together with outstanding infrastructure and an international working environment that will give you a comprehensive research portfolio.
4. A dynamic, interdisciplinary and young research group and a great working atmosphere and ample opportunities for professional and personal development with access to many continuing education courses.
5. Career planning and networking opportunities through conferences and other events.
6. Competitive salaries.

Note: PhD positions are awarded initially for one year. After one year of successful completion of the PhD candidacy exam, the initial contract will be extended up to a total of four years.