2 PhD Positions in Condition Assessment and Design Strategies for Reuse of

at  ETH Zrich

JOB DESCRIPTION

The two successful candidates will work together on the same research project. For some of the tasks they will work separately, while for others they will have to collaborate. The responsibilities will include:

• Analysing glass assemblies used in windows and facades in the past 3-4 decades in office and public buildings, along with the requirements they had to fulfil (primary focus on systems with metal framing from Zurich area);
• Gathering of data on glass assemblies and window and facade systems through surveys, field studies, and analysis of literature and existing datasets;
• Carrying out disassembly case studies on end-of-life façades to assess the separability of glass assemblies from other materials and to identify related challenges and limitations;
• Conducting experimental investigations (functional properties, mechanical performance, surface damages) on samples of aged glass and glass units obtained from the case studies;
• Deriving and analysing adaptation concepts for the current façade design and construction approaches to allow the reuse of glass in buildings;
• Conducting comparative life cycle assessment and cost case studies to highlight the benefits of glass reuse;
• Active participation in research activities, including publishing scientific journal papers and presenting findings at conferences and workshops.

The research project will be managed and coordinated by Dr Vlad Silvestru, while Prof Andreas Taras will be the thesis promoter and first supervisor.
More information about the doctorate at ETH Zurich can be found in the AVETH survival guide.

PROFILE

For the open positions we are looking for doctoral candidates who meet the following requirements:

• An MSc degree (or equivalent) in engineering (civil engineering or façade engineering) or architectural technology;
• A background and strong interest in façade construction and engineering, glass as a building material, structural engineering, building physics, and experimental methods;
• Fluent in English (oral and written);
• Experience with computer aided design and engineering software tools commonly used in façade research and design (e.g., structural and building physics simulations for glass assemblies and facades, parametric design tools, etc.);
• Deep enthusiasm for conducting original research in an interdisciplinary and international team, and strive for scientific excellence;
• Excellent communication abilities, social skills, and independent attitude paired with the ability to network and interact with relevant industry stakeholders.

Additional beneficial competences are:

• Good command of German (oral and written) is beneficial for the position and communication with local industry, but not mandatory;
• Experience in preparing and conducting surveys, data analysis, life cycle assessment and circular engineering;
• Experience and knowledge in steel construction are beneficial for engaging in teaching activities of the group.

The two successful candidates will work together on the same research project. For some of the tasks they will work separately, while for others they will have to collaborate. The responsibilities will include:

• Analysing glass assemblies used in windows and facades in the past 3-4 decades in office and public buildings, along with the requirements they had to fulfil (primary focus on systems with metal framing from Zurich area);
• Gathering of data on glass assemblies and window and facade systems through surveys, field studies, and analysis of literature and existing datasets;
• Carrying out disassembly case studies on end-of-life façades to assess the separability of glass assemblies from other materials and to identify related challenges and limitations;
• Conducting experimental investigations (functional properties, mechanical performance, surface damages) on samples of aged glass and glass units obtained from the case studies;
• Deriving and analysing adaptation concepts for the current façade design and construction approaches to allow the reuse of glass in buildings;
• Conducting comparative life cycle assessment and cost case studies to highlight the benefits of glass reuse;
• Active participation in research activities, including publishing scientific journal papers and presenting findings at conferences and workshops

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents prepared in English (please make sure your last name is on all the documents and in the file names):

• Cover letter (max 1 page);
• CV (including list of publications if applicable);
• An academic transcript/list of courses completed, including grades (please upload a single PDF);
• A brief statement describing how you will address the topic, making a connection to your experience and the related work from the literature (max 600 words, excluding bibliography, in PDF format);
• Names and contact details of two references