DECODER: Digitalization for Energy-Efficiency Through Commissioning and Decarbonization Retrofits
Funded MSc Scholarship in Computer Science and Software Engineering
Last updated: September 10, 2025, 3:49 p.m.
Supervisory details
Supervisor: Yann-Gaël Guéhéneuc
Department: Computer Science and Software Engineering, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science
University: Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
Start date: Fall 2025, Winter 2026, Summer 2026
MSc Scholarship: 22K CAD per year for 2 years
Project overview
This project supports Canada’s efforts to reduce building-related emissions. It’s developing an AI-powered tool that helps building owners make better energy decisions. The system uses digital simulations to find the best ways to improve existing buildings—like upgrading heating systems or using smarter energy controls. It can also guide decisions across entire groups of buildings to save energy and cut emissions at scale.
Role description
- Design and refine the software architecture of the DECODER platform, balancing performance, scalability, usability, and maintainability.
- Incorporate advanced functionalities into the platform, including:
- Seamless data integration from diverse sensor sources.
- User interface filtering to present only the necessary features to different user groups.
- Predictive analytics integration to support data-driven decision-making.
- Building-specific adaptation through machine learning techniques.
- Develop well-documented APIs and developer tools to enable third-party application development and platform extensions.
- Implement the platform middleware and supporting components, leveraging established urban data integration frameworks.
- Apply agile development methods (e.g., SCRUM) to deliver iterative, tested platform versions.
- Conduct comprehensive unit, integration, and system testing to ensure performance, security, and standards compliance.
- Collaborate with other research teams to ensure the platform meets technical specifications and stakeholder needs.
- Document architecture decisions, platform design, and usage guidelines for both internal and external audiences.
- Opportunity to contribute to innovative research in software architecture, Internet of Things, and service-oriented platforms within the DECODER project.
- Access to state-of-the-art computing facilities, software development environments, and data integration tools at Concordia University.
- Supervision and mentorship from Professor Yann-Gaël Guéhéneuc, an internationally recognized expert in software engineering, program analysis, and software comprehension.
- Opportunities to publish in top-tier journals and conferences in software engineering, distributed systems, and IoT research.
- Competitive funding package, along with support for professional development, technical training, and networking with academic and industry leaders in advanced software systems.
- Software development, modelling, comprehension
- Static, dynamic, and historical analyses
- Internet of Things
- Service-oriented architecture
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong background in software architecture, design patterns, and large-scale platform development.
- Experience with static, dynamic, and historical program analysis.
- Knowledge of Internet of Things (IoT) systems and service-oriented architectures (SOA).
- Proficiency in at least two programming languages (e.g., Java, C/C++, Python) and experience with API development.
- Familiarity with middleware platforms and distributed system integration.
- Experience with agile development methodologies (e.g., SCRUM) and iterative software delivery.
- Understanding of predictive analytics and/or machine learning integration in software systems.
- Experience in designing and conducting software testing at multiple levels (unit, integration, system).
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to work in an interdisciplinary research team.
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
- Names and contact information of 3 referees
- Publications, if any
- Test results (see below)
Test results
- Read the papers available here at and attach three reading notes as PDF file following the template provided at the same address.
- Download the code of our tool suite in Eclipse, compile it and run the class ProjectViewer in /Ptidej UI Viewer Standalone Swing/src/ptidej/viewer/ProjectViewer.java? (Please use this Github repository).
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 volt-age.recruitment@concordia.ca with the subject as:
DECODER_Your Name_MSc/PhD
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
Questions/contact
For all questions, please contact Alisa Makusheva at alisa.makusheva@concordia.ca.
