CES Community Energy Solutions
MSc scholarship in Chemical Engineering
Last updated: August 15, 2025, 10:32 a.m.
Supervisory details
Supervisor: Ivan Kantor
Department: Chemical and Materials Engineering, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science
University: Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
Start date: Flexible (Fall 2025 preferred)
PhD Fellowship: 22K CAD per year for 2 years
Project overview
Municipalities face challenges in designing and implementing zero-emission energy solutions that are financially viable and engage the community. The CES project aims to solve that problem by developing smart, efficient community energy systems that combine renewable energy, building retrofits, and clean mobility options. Many different case studies are included in this project to develop tailored strategies that fit the unique characteristics of archetypal areas.
In collaboration with governments, private sector partners, and international stakeholders, the initiative empowers Canadian municipalities to align local energy plans with broader national decarbonization objectives. A cutting-edge digital twin platform will provide tools to compare, benchmark, and finance solutions, simplifying the process of planning, implementing, and scaling community energy systems.
Role description
Students will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to investigate potential technological solutions for energy systems with varying contextual settings. The work will consider multiple quantitative performance indicators and incorporate and adapt to feedback from the community and project stakeholders.
Other aspects of the work include developing technology models and classifying industrial processes based on their energy requirements and potential synergies with communities.
You will join a dynamic and impactful work environment where cutting-edge research meets real-world application. Collaborating with municipalities, energy utilities, industry leaders, and community groups, you will gain hands-on experience and build lasting professional relationships. Your work will span 15 diverse international case studies, offering exposure to global approaches for community energy solutions.
You will be part of a multidisciplinary team, integrating expertise in energy, mobility, finance, and governance. Your contributions will directly influence real-world decisions, driving sustainable solutions and making a tangible impact in the fight against climate change.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in chemical engineering or a related field
- Demonstrated proficiency in mathematical optimization required
- Strong English language skills are required (oral and written)
- Experience working in teams is required
- French language proficiency is an asset
- Multi-disciplinary collaborative project experience is an asset
- Demonstrated practice in life-cycle assessment is an asset
- Demonstrated ability to write and publish in scientific journals is an asset
- Experience working in manufacturing or high-volume production facilities is an asset.
Additional notes
- Indigenous students will be given priority.
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given preference over international applicants.
- International applicants will be offered a tuition waiver to offset the differential between international and Quebec tuition.
Please combine the following documents into a single PDF file.
- Letter of intent strongly aligned with the project and the research domain of the professor
- Academic CV
- Transcripts
- Any other documents that might benefit your file
Applications must be in screen-readable PDF or Word formats.
If you are already in Canada, or if you’re a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident, please highlight this in your communications.
Send your PDF file to kantor_gradpositions@concordia.ca with the subject as:
Application_CES_Your Name
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
Questions/contact
For all questions, please contact Alisa Makusheva at alisa.makusheva@concordia.ca.
