Design and operation of net-zero smart resilient buildings and infrastructure
Funded PhD position in Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering
Last updated: August 29, 2025, 11:32 a.m.
Supervisory details
Supervisor: Khaled E. Galal
Department: Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science
University: Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
Start date: Flexible (Fall 2025 or Winter 2026 preferred)
PhD Fellowship: 35K CAD per year for 4 years
Project overview
This is an interdisciplinary project that aims for developing and demonstrating resilient, carbon-neutral building and infrastructure energy systems that integrate onsite renewables, storage, EVs, and smart grid interaction. It emphasizes building-integrated photovoltaics, thermal storage, and advanced HVAC, with applications in new construction and retrofits. Outcomes include scalable, modular energy-positive designs and roadmaps to guide decarbonization of the built environment, influence policy, and enhance comfort, resilience, and aesthetics through integrated solar and thermal technologies.
Role description
- Conduct research on building-integrated active thermal storage systems embedded in 3D-printed concrete buildings for space heating and cooling.
- Develop and validate structural, thermal, and life-cycle models of 3D-printed walls and beams that support hollow core precast concrete slabs.
- Perform laboratory experiments including instrumentation, monitoring, and testing of structural and thermal performance.
- Collaborate with our industrial partner for constructing 3D-printed concrete structural elements and other project partners on the design and evaluation of 3D-printed concrete components with integrated air channels.
- Contribute to the integration of thermal, structural, and architectural design approaches for net-zero, carbon-neutral buildings.
- Participate in prototype validation and full-scale demonstration projects (residential, community, and institutional/commercial buildings).
- Analyze data, prepare technical reports, and co-author journal publications and conference presentations.
- Engage with the Volt-Age research community, industry collaborators, and government stakeholders to support knowledge transfer.
Research areas
- Structural engineering
- Reinforced concrete
- Reinforced masonry buildings
- Earthquake engineering and structural dynamics
- Experimental testing of structural elements
- Nonlinear modelling of building structures
- National Building Code of Canada
- Canadian Design Standards
Required qualifications
- Master’s degree in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Building/Construction Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong foundation in structural analysis, reinforced concrete and masonry structures, and seismic/structural dynamics.
- Familiarity with sustainable construction methods, including 3D-printed concrete or advanced composite materials, is an asset.
- Knowledge of building energy systems, including thermal storage and HVAC integration, preferred.
- Proficiency in numerical modelling and simulation (e.g., finite elementanalysis, life-cycle performance evaluation).
- Experience with laboratory testing, data acquisition, and instrumentation for structural or thermal systems.
- Ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment, collaborating across structural, architectural, and energy system domains.
- Strong technical writing and presentation skills for publications, reports, and conferences.
- Motivation to advance resilient, sustainable, and carbon-neutral building technologies.
This position is primarily intended for Canadian students (citizens or permanent residents), however, international applicants with strong credentials will be considered.
- Fully funded PhD position with a competitive annual stipend, plus additional support for research-related travel, conferences, and collaboration with industry and government partners.
- Opportunity to work hands-on with innovative 3D-printed concrete structures, integrating thermal storage and structural performance for net-zero and carbon-neutral buildings.
- Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and testing facilities at Concordia University, including full-scale prototype validation and monitoring.
- Structured mentorship and supervision by Dr. Khaled Galal, a leading researcher in structural engineering, seismic rehabilitation, and advanced composite materials.
- Collaboration with the industrial partner for constructing 3D-printed concrete structural elements and interdisciplinary Volt-Age teams, bridging civil engineering, architecture, materials science, and energy systems.
- Strong support for publishing in high-impact journals, presenting at international conferences, and engaging with professional and policy communities.
- A dynamic research environment at Concordia University in Montreal, a global hub for innovation in sustainable infrastructure, structural engineering, and energy transition technologies.
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
- Any other documents that might benefit your file
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 3DPrintedConcrete_Your name.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
Questions/contact
For all questions, please contact Alisa Makusheva at alisa.makusheva@concordia.ca.
