Funded PhD: Timeless Digital Twins for the Energy Health Nexus

Background

Digital twins are bottom up, either building level or building-by-building stock models capturing the heterogenous characteristics of buildings. They can therefore better assess where specific measures might be better than others. However current digital twins are time-constrained ‘snapshot’ models, which represent the building or a stock at a certain point in time and until now unable to reflect how buildings evolve and change. In this project we will create a timeless digital twin stock model of selected buildings that not only comprehensively represents each building but is also continually kept up-to date using crowd-sourced energy, building and indoor air quality data which is verified via model calibration. By combining these unique characteristics, this novel integration of energy and detailed indoor air quality data provides a step-change in enabling the identification of the best strategies for improving both energy and environmental performance and more effectively assessing the impact of measures for both current and future scenarios.

Research aims

The aim of this project is to create engineering design processes and establish building performance simulation methods for integration of indoor air quality and energy predictions of non-domestic buildings from early architectural design to operational stages. Professionally the aim of this studentship to train a student to become experts on the following topics: Building performance simulation, Energy and indoor environmental quality evaluation, Research Ethics, EDI, Academic Writing.

Person specification

Applicants should meet the UCL IEDE PhD Programme Entry Requirements. The following person specs would also be desirable

A BSc/MEng/MSc in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Building Services Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Building Physics

1. To demonstrate high potential to become an independent researcher in the field of the built environment.
2. Practical knowledge of building design and operation processes
3. Analytical skills and an aptitude for building energy and environmental modelling,
4. indoor environmental quality monitoring,
5. Communication skills,
6. Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusivity.

All applicants must also meet the minimum language requirements of UCL

Applicants should be familiar with the changes to EU and International Eligibility for UKRI funded studentships

Application procedure

Stage 1 - Eligibility and how to apply

Please submit a pre-application by email to Bartlett.BSEER-PhD-Admin bseer-phd-admin@ucl.ac.uk   with Subject Reference: 4-year PhD studentship in Timeless Digital Twins for the Energy Health Nexus.

Your pre- application should include the following:

• A covering letter clearly stating why you wish to apply for the project outlining how your interests and experience relate to it, and confirm your understanding of Changes to EU and International Eligibility for UKRI funded studentships
• CV
• Complete the EPSRC fees and EDI questionnaire via the following Microsoft Forms.

Stage 2 - Interview process

Only shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.

• For the interview shortlisted candidates will be asked to show proof of their degree certificate(s) and transcript(s) of degree(s), and proof of their fees eligibility.
• The interview panel will consist of members of the supervisory team, and a representative of the industrial Sponsor
• The interview will include a short presentation from the candidate on their ideas of how to approach this PhD project.
• Following the interview, the successful candidate will be invited to make a formal application to the UCL Research Degree programme for IEDE.

The successful candidate will be undertaking this project:

• Mainly in UCL at the main (Bloomsbury) campus
• occasional time at UCL Hear East premises
• and potentially at Atelier 10 Central London office

For more information, please visit the UCL IEDE website.

Deadline for applications

Thursday 5 May 2022, 23:59 (UK time)

Interview dates

TBC 

Fair recruitment/appeals process

There is always strong competition for funded studentships. If you receive a rejection for the applied position, it does not mean that you have been rejected for other funding opportunities or places at UCL you have applied to.

As applications are reviewed by panels of academic staff in a multi-step process, it will not be possible to request an appeal if you disagree with the outcome of your application on grounds of the academic assessment or judgement made.

However, if you think that the published process (as shown above) has not been followed, you may contact bseer-phd-admin@ucl.ac.uk  to raise your concern. Please clearly mark your email EPSRC STUDENTSHIP PROCESS APPEAL in the subject line. Your appeal and application will be reviewed by a panel considering this new information.

Contacts

For further details about the admission process, please contact: Bartlett.BSEER-PhD-Admin bseer-phd-admin@ucl.ac.uk

For any further details regarding the project, contact: Ivan Korolija i.korolija@ucl.ac.uk or Professor Dejan Mumovic: d.mumovic@ucl.ac.uk  

Photo credit: Jonas Ferlin, Pexels