The Department of the Built Environment of the Eindhoven University of Technology offers you a PhD position to follow a four-year research program, which leads to the PhD degree. This position is part of an externally NWO financed project, which comprises 2 PhD positions in total. The project task is summarized below:
Many physical phenomena, for instance mechanical stress, heat transport, and light radiation, can be simulated by computer programs. Currently, these simulations are also used to find better building designs. However, for optimal building design, these phenomena all have to be considered simultaneously, in concert with a realistic building geometry and integrated into the design process. Therefore, in this project, two new developments will be undertaken for building spatial design optimisation: (i) Building a significant extension of a recently developed toolbox: Currently, this toolbox adds structural and building physics components to orthogonal and closed building spatial designs, and predicts the associated performances. The extended toolbox will feature spatial designs that (a) are realistically non-orthogonal and (b) have claddings that can be open. (ii) The new possibilities for spatial designs ensure that effects of daylight and artificial lighting can be realistically modelled, and light performance will be added as a performance criterion for optimisation. The new developments in the method will be verified with case studies from several companies.
This project will be a joint research project with Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science, where a PhD Student will work on surrogate models from machine learning and Illumination of Quality-Diversity (IQD) algorithms.

• An excellent and highly motivated candidate with an MSc degree in Mechanical, Civil, or Aerospace Engineering.
• Deep knowledge and experience in: C++, FEM, and RC-networks/state-space equations.
• Preferably also experience in lighting simulations.
• An academic attitude to develop new systems and perform applied research and working with experts from another domain (i.e. computing science).
• An excellent command of the English language, both in speaking and writing, and structured writing skills in general.
• have a strong analytical mind;

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with the possibility to present your work at international conferences.
• A full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation after one year.
• To support you during your PhD and to prepare you for the rest of your career, you will have free access to a personal development program for PhD students (PROOF program).
• A gross monthly salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
• A broad package of fringe benefits, including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes.
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.