Research project description

Will you join us in our pursuit towards carbon-free heating and cooling in urban areas? We look for an aspiring postdoc researcher who explores novel ways of using solar energy to achieve that goal.

Job description

Although solar energy systems (PV and solar thermal) play a large role in the ongoing sustainable energy transition, the current solutions for integrating such systems in the built environment, are not yet well-aligned with the need for decarbonizing heat supply in winter and cooling in summer.

To help address these issues, this postdoc project will develop integrated solutions for energy harvesting, energy storage and energy savings from both a technological and building integration perspective. The project will combine expertise on both solar technologies and sustainable buildings using an integrated design-driven research approach. Instead of just developing energy components or systems only, in this research project, the energy technologies, building design and the buildings' energy demands will be equally addressed leading to functional solutions that can be realized and tested in reality. By linking these competences to a network of industrial partners, we expect to work on practical solutions at medium to high technology readiness level.

The project will involve (i) modeling of 3D solar irradiance distribution in the built environment, (ii) feasibility studies on various solar energy technologies, storage technologies (thermal and electrical), and heating/cooling technologies, (iii) development of conceptual system designs, and (iv)prototyping and explorative testing of selected systems.

This postdoc will work between the Building Performance group of the Department of the Built Environment and the Energy Technology group of the Mechanical Engineering Department.

This position and research project are made possible by the BEHeaT program initiated by the Eindhoven Institute for Renewable Energy Systems (EIRES). EIRES facilitates the collaborative development and swift deployment of new technologies and devices by bringing together TU/e researchers working on materials, systems, and processes for energy storage and conversion. 
EIRES consists of collaborating research groups within TUe. These include over 140 researchers and more than 450 PhDs. EIRES brings these researchers together and creates new network connections between researchers and industry.

Within the focus area of energy transition in the built environment, a large-scale research program was recently launched. This program, BEHeaT, stands for Built Environment Heat Transition. The program is funded with TUe's own resources as well as contributions from industry. The research program has a pragmatic approach.

Within the BEHeaT program, research is conducted into the (further) development of various (new) materials, components and/or systems in relation to intelligent buildings, heat storage, heat networks and/or electricity grids. The focus is not only on physical materials, components and systems, but also on dynamic (predictive) models. We believe that in order to have impact, any research must take systems integration as its starting point. In addition, we believe that technology does not stand alone and should always be seen in relation to the (end) user. In this way, the impact of research results is increased.   

• Motivated researcher, with a PhD in Architectural Engineering, Sustainable Energy Technology, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a comparable domain..
• The ideal candidate would have demonstrable experience in energy simulation (e.g. EnergyPlus, Trnsys, PVlib), scripting and data analysis (e.g. using Python, Matlab or R).
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• A team player who enjoys coaching PhD and Master's students and working in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.
• A proven ability to manage complex projects to completion on schedule.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English, good communication skills.
• Independent and responsible.
• Can-do mentality

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:
• Full-time employment for 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.