CES Community Energy Solutions
Funded PhD position in Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering
Last updated: July 11, 2025, 11:45 a.m.
Supervisory details
Supervisor: Ursula Eicker
Department: Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science
University: Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
Start date: Flexible (Fall 2025 preferred)
PhD Fellowship: 35K CAD per year for 4 years
Project overview
The CES project focuses on helping municipalities design zero-emission energy solutions that are financially viable, community- driven, and tailored to neighbourhood demand profiles. Collaborating with governments, private sector partners, and international stakeholders, we will analyze over 15 case studies across Canada, the US, and Europe to create "neighbourhood archetypes" based on factors like density, income, building usage, and transportation needs. Using cutting-edge digital twin platforms and tools, we aim to develop scalable community energy strategies that address the unique characteristics of each area.
Role description
PhD 1 – Building Science and Engineering, Digital Twin & Modelling
Background: Building science, mechanical or civil engineering; strong programming skills, especially in Python and modelling tools.
- Develop and maintain digital twin models for diverse use cases including district energy systems, retrofits, and solar communities.
- Apply modelling algorithms to simulate demand/supply scenarios and optimize energy system components. Conduct life cycle cost and emission assessments of alternative energy solutions.
- Integrate real-time data and simulation outputs into the digital twin environment
PhD 2 – Energy Management Systems and Operational Control
Background: Energy systems, operational control, energy management; experience in urban commercial/residential sectors.
- Compare and evaluate community energy system designs by conducting technical and economic analyses across multiple case studies.
- Assess and categorize energy management systems and control strategies specific to urban residential and commercial environments.
- Analyze energy demand and supply patterns to support the development of standardized system archetypes for neighbourhood-scale solutions.
- Urban energy systems
- 3D City modeling
- Urban data and simulation platform development
- Renewable energies
- Zero Carbon Cities
- Demand response and flexibility
- District and solar heating and cooling networks
- Sustainable transport
- Master’s degree in high standing in Engineering, Data Science, Urban Planning, Sustainability, or related field.
- Proven experience with energy systems modelling, digital twins, or urban infrastructure analysis.
- Strong proficiency in programming (e.g., Python, R), GIS tools, and data visualization platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, or custom dashboards).
- Experience with semantic data frameworks or ontology development is a strong asset.
- Familiarity with life cycle assessment (LCA) and cost-benefit analysis in energy contexts.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work in interdisciplinary, multicultural teams.
- Previous experience with community energy projects or urban sustainability initiatives is an advantage.
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
- References
- Publications, if any
- Any other documents that might benefit your file
Please indicate if applying for more than one position in your cover letter and email. 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 nextgencities@concordia.ca with the subject as:
CES – WP5 – P1_Your Name or
CES – WP5 – P2_Your Name
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
Questions/contact
For all questions, please contact Meagan Smith at meagan.smith@concordia.ca.
