This PhD research is part of the NWO-NSFC research project 'Optimizing the design and operation of Local Energy Systems for neighbourhoods with high self-sufficiency and high actor engagement'.

In this project researchers from Dutch and Chinese universities will work together with societal partners (see also https://www.nwo.nl/en/news/two-projects-granted-china-local-energy-systemswithin-cooperation-nsfc-merian-fund).

The NWO-NSFC research project aims at accelerating the energy transition by designing, optimizing and operating local energy systems in order to take advantage of decentralized renewable resources.
Challenges from the social and technical perspective will be considered. The main objective of the project is to develop tools and methodologies for designing and operating local multi-energy carrier energy systems for new and existing neighborhoods, based on economic, social and environmental analyses. The tools will provide an integrated cyberspace (somewhat similar to a digital twin) which links the stages of design, retrofitting, policy making and operation both from a social and technical perspective.

The goal of this PhD research is to develop efficient and effective modeling methods for the buildings and building related components in the local energy system. For example methods based on automated machine learning modelling approaches for demand/production calculation and energy flexibility prediction. Occupant behavior and social behavior on building level and community level will be taken into account in the models.

The research will be embedded in the Building Performance (BP) research group of the Department of the Built Environment (https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/building-physics-andservices/building-performance/). This research project will be executed in close collaboration with the other project partners (Zhejiang University, Tongji University, Zhejiang Energy Group Co. Ltd., The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Brainport Smart District and City of Zoetermeer).

We are looking for excellent candidates with;

• An MSc degree in Architectural Engineering, Building Science, Building, Civil, Mechanical or Environmental Engineering, or equivalent. Interest in physical processes (heat, air and moisture transfer) in the built environment, sustainable energy technologies and experience in computational building performance simulation is essential.
• An enthusiastic attitude, talented and high motivation.
• An independent and well-structured working style.
• Interest in supervising master's students.
• Strong communication skills and the attitude to participate successfully in a multidisciplinary team.
• An excellent command of the English language, both in speaking and writing.

• 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 (go/no-go) after nine months.
• To develop your teaching skills, you will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• To support you during your PhD and to prepare you for the rest of your career, you will make a Training and Supervision plan and you will have free access to a personal development program for PhD students (PROOF program).
• A gross monthly salary (first year € 2,541.00) and benefits (such as a pension scheme, pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) 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.
• Should you come from abroad and comply with certain conditions, you can make use of the so-called '30% facility', which permits you not to pay tax on 30% of your 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.