Empa is the research institute for materials science and technology of the ETH Domain and conducts cutting-edge research for the benefit of industry and the well-being of society.
The Laboratory of Multiscale Studies in Building Physics is part of Empa’s Department of Engineering Sciences and focuses on developing technologies to support energy transition and a sustainable society by improving the performance of building materials, increasing the use of renewable energy sources, and ameliorating the quality of the built environment (indoor and outdoor). The laboratory has excellent experimental infrastructures (including large-scale experimental fluid measurements facilities, environmental chambers, and various equipment to investigate processes in porous materials) and extensive experience in investigating coupled multiphysics phenomena and complex multiscale processes, as well as in developing and using cutting-edge scientific computing techniques (including HPC, machine learning, multiscale algorithms).
The laboratory is currently undergoing restructuring and reorganization of its research activity focusing on three principal areas: physics of building materials and energy systems; data-driven modeling, machine learning, and smart monitoring; transport of contaminants and pathogens in the built environment.
To strengthen our scientific team in this process, we invite applications for a
We primarily welcome applicants with past postdoctoral experience to be hired at scientist level; however, younger applicants with an interesting profile may also be considered for hiring at post-doctoral level. We are seeking a curious, creative, critical individual committed to scientific excellence and high ethical standard. The candidate has a background in physics, applied mathematics, mechanical/civil engineering, computer science, or related fields, and blends theoretical knowledge, programming skills and physical intuition. The ideal candidate has worked in data science, machine learning and statistical learning, mastering the concepts behind the methods as well as the details of modern programming tools. She/he has acquired experience in analyzing, describing and interpreting experimental data. Previous knowledge of building, energy, or environmental related problems is an asset. Experience in developing, acquiring and managing research projects is also desirable for candidates to be hired at scientist level.
Possible research areas of interest include (but are not limited to): developing ad-hoc solutions for construction, renovation and energy networks; devising diagnostic and managing tools to optimize building and network performance; developing next-generation simulation tools that integrate mechanistic and datadriven models; digitalization, smart monitoring and optimization of the information extracted from experimental data.
We offer internationally competitive conditions, optimal computational and experimental facilities, the possibility to collaborate with several research groups at Empa, in Switzerland and abroad, and the opportunity to participate and contribute to the development of a research laboratory working on problems relevant for the future of our society.
The expected starting date is September or at a later date upon mutual agreement. The position is initially offered for two years with the possibility to be extended in case of reciprocal satisfaction.