Design and operation of net-zero smart resilient buildings and infrastructure
Funded PhD position in Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering
Last updated: October 7, 2025, 9:28 a.m.
Supervisory details
Supervisor: Ahmed Soliman
Department: Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science
University: Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
Start date: Winter 2026, May 2026, Fall 2026
PhD Fellowship: 35K CAD per year for 4 years
Project overview
This project develops and demonstrates 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
- Develop and optimize low-carbon concrete mixtures for energy storage applications (ABITES concept).
- Conduct laboratory experiments on concrete composites incorporating industrial waste, nanomaterials, and carbon-sequestration techniques.
- Characterize material properties (thermal, mechanical, and durability) under different operating conditions.
- Design and test concrete-based thermal energy storage systems integrated with building structures.
- Collaborate with architects, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers to guide integration of ABITES in new construction and retrofits.
- Model energy storage and release behavior in building-integrated materials using simulation tools.
- Contribute to developing CSA (Canadian Standards Association) design guidelines and standards
- Publish results in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.
- Support knowledge transfer activities and contribute to policy and code development related to decarbonized construction materials.
- Mentor junior graduate and undergraduate students in experimental and analytical tasks.
Research areas
- Construction materials
- Nano-technology
- Green and smart materials
- Stimuli-responsive materials
Required qualifications
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Materials Engineering, Building/Structural Engineering, or related field.
- Strong background in construction materials science, with knowledge of cementitious composites, nano-materials, or sustainable materials.
- Demonstrated experience in laboratory testing of concrete or advanced building materials.
- Familiarity with thermal energy storage concepts, or building energy modeling.
- Proficiency in numerical methods, simulation software (e.g., MATLAB, COMSOL, ANSYS, or EnergyPlus), and data analysis tools.
- Strong research skills with evidence of peer-reviewed publications or technical reports.
- Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and communicate effectively with engineers, architects, and policy makers.
- Motivation to contribute to net-zero building solutions, green infrastructure, and sustainable design.
- Assets: experience with industrial waste utilization, thermodynamic modelling, carbon emission quantification, carbon capture/sequestration in construction materials, or smart/responsive materials.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
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 funding for research-related travel, conferences, and collaboration with industry and policy partners.
- Hands-on experience with low-carbon concrete, nano-enabled and smart construction materials, and advanced thermal energy storage systems integrated into building structures.
- Opportunities to contribute to standards and policy, including the development of CSA design guidelines in collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada.
- Structured mentorship within a multidisciplinary team bridging civil, structural, mechanical, and materials engineering, with strong support for high-impact publications and conference presentations.
- Cutting-edge research facilities for material characterization, thermal testing, and energy system integration at Concordia University.
- A vibrant research environment in Montreal, a hub for innovation in sustainable infrastructure and net-zero transitions, with access to leading academic, industry, and policy networks.
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 ABITES_Your name.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
Questions/contact
For all questions, please contact Alisa Makusheva at alisa.makusheva@concordia.ca.
