PhD scholarship in Simulating Rebound Effects in the Early Phases of Design - DTU Construct

Do you want to break new ground and push the boundaries of sustainable design towards higher impact?

At DTU Construct you will break new ground at the absolute forefront for enabling the design of sustainable solutions and be an active part of REBOUNDLESS, a prestigious ERC Consolidator Grant project, awarded by the European Research Council. 

Your main goal will be to drive a paradigm shift in design science to enable the simulation of rebound effects (i.e., negative consequences of interventions that arise due to behavioural and systemic changes, which undermine ca. 40% of all potential sustainability gains) in the early phases of design. 

You will have the opportunity to join top interdisciplinary scientists from all over the world and make a personal impact in solving some of the most critical challenges the world is facing. Never has there been a stronger global focus on solving the pressing sustainability challenges, but the expected positive societal impact will not be achieved unless rebound effects are prevented.

Responsibilities and qualifications
We are looking for a skilled and ambitious early-stage scientist with a collaborative mindset and critical thinking backed by excellent communication ability in written and spoken English. Equally important is it that you like to create results based on knowledge sharing and positive teamwork.

Modelling and simulating the occurrence of rebound effects
Your focus will be to support the modelling and simulation of rebound effects triggered by efficiency, effectiveness and sufficiency design strategies at the product, business model, and socio-technical systems levels, building upon systemic mechanisms of rebound effects across four needs (housing, nutrition, mobility, and consumables).

More specifically, you will focus on quantitative simulation of rebound effects, enabling the ex-ante quantification of their magnitude, the identification of key leverage points and the evaluation of the effectiveness of alternative design strategies. Your primary tasks will include:

• Develop a modular approach for building customizable simulation models building upon the configuration of generic structures 
• Support the identification of the key leverage points for preventing the occurrence of rebound effects.
• Simulate the potential of design strategies in preventing rebound effects through alternative “what-if” scenarios.

You will work in an interdisciplinary team, in close collaboration with the other team members in REBOUNDLESS.

The obtention of the PhD degree is conditioned to:

• Research work resulting in the publication of high-end scientific articles and conferences.
• Completion of 30 ECTS in courses, which can be done at DTU or other universities.
• Department work, including support with teaching activities and the co-supervision of BSc/MSc students.
• Participation in external research environments through external research stay.

The rules for the PhD education at DTU can be checked at www.dtu.dk/english/education/phd/rules .

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. Furthermore, it is an advantage if you have knowledge of design for sustainability, behavioural design and/or behavioural economics.

The REBOUNDLESS group – your new team
You will join a top-class ERC scientific team, which consists of a multidisciplinary team of researchers who work hands-in-hand (incl. academic staff, researchers, postdocs, PhD students and research assistants). REBOUNDLESS  is part of the Section of Design for Sustainability . We will also actively collaborate with the DTU Centre for Absolute Sustainability .  

Your new workplace will be DTU’s main campus in Kgs. Lyngby, Copenhagen and you are expected to work mostly from the office, to ensure strong collaboration with the research team.  

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 . 

Assessment
The assessment will be carried out by Professor Daniela C. A. Pigosso.

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 starting date is planned for March 2024 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information  
Further information may be obtained from Professor Daniela Pigosso at [email protected] .

You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at www.construct.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 1 January 2025 (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
• A one-page statement discussing your view on how to develop a modular approach for building customisable simulation models based on the configuration of generic structures (plus scientific references, in a second page)

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, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Civil and Mechanical Engineering develops and utilizes science and technical knowledge for the benefit of society and sustainable development. We undertake research, education, innovation, and scientific advice of the highest quality within building design and processes, building construction and safety, building energy and installation, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering design and thermal energy systems. 

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.