PhD scholarship in Circular Construction – reuse of insulated concrete wall elements - DTU Sustain

The section for Materials and Durability at DTU Sustain is seeking a PhD candidate with an interest in circular construction for a project enabling reuse of insulated concrete wall elements. The construction industry is entering a time of innovation, with a much-needed transition to more sustainable practices. Reuse of construction elements is a promising way to remediate some of the difficulties the industry is facing, such as lowering carbon emissions, decreasing waste generation and reducing raw material consumption. Insulated concrete wall elements have been widely used in Denmark since the 1950’s. They are made from energy-heavy materials such as concrete and mineral wool, and thereby expected to account for a significant carbon saving potential if reused. This project tackles barriers all through the reuse process of the elements.

Responsibilities and qualifications

The project consists of three parts :

1. Documenting the most environmentally responsible end-of-life strategy for insulated concrete wall elements and assessing the carbon saving potentials of reuse in Denmark. 
2. Developing procedures for documenting properties related to load bearing capacity, insulating capacity and remaining service life of insulated concrete wall panels non-destructively, so they might be included in future building designs.
3. Developing methods for deconstruction and reassembling by analysing the structural connections used for the elements and designing new ones.

The project expects collaboration with industry partners to ensure the applicability of the results and knowledge acquired. 

Potential candidates must have a two-years master’s degree (120 ECTS) in the field of civil- or architectural engineering or similar fields. 

Experience within the following will be highly advantageous:

• Danish building practices
• Processes within the Danish construction industry and their value chains
• Non-destructive testing of construction materials
• LCA modelling

The position also requires a small amount of teaching responsibilities. 

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment  
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

The position is a full-time, and the starting date is 1st of July 2024 or according to mutual agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information  
Further information may be obtained from Lisbeth Ottosen ([email protected] )

You can read more about DTU Sustain at www.sustain.dtu.dk 

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 31 May 2024 (23:59 Danish time) . 

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Sustain - Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering - is one of the largest university departments specializing in environmental and resource engineering in Europe. The department conducts research, development & scientific advice and provides educational programs and service to society.  We are working to develop new environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies, methods and solutions, and to disseminate this knowledge to society and future generations of engineers. The Department has approximately 300 staff from more than 30 nationalities.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.