Transforming Built and Urban Microclimates: Advancing Resilience Science for Vulnerable Populations in a Decarbonized and Electrified Canada
Funded PhD position in Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering
Last updated: August 29, 2025, 10:43 a.m.
Supervisory details
Supervisor: Theodore Stathopoulos, Liangzhu Leon Wang
Department: Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science
University: Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
Start date: Summer/Fall 2026
PhD Fellowship: 35K CAD per year for 4 years
Project overview
This PhD project integrates AI, computational modeling, and wind tunnel experimentation to analyze and predict urban wind flow and microclimate dynamics. Jointly supervised by Dr. Theodore Stathopoulos and Dr. Liangzhu Leon Wang, the research supports Concordia’s Volt-Age program on climate resilience and decarbonization. The candidate will develop AI-driven models linking data science with physical testing to improve building aerodynamics, urban environmental analysis, and sustainable city design under future climate conditions.
Role description
- Develop and implement AI and machine learning models for urban wind flow and microclimate prediction.
- Conduct wind tunnel experiments to gather data for model development and validation.
- Integrate AI-driven computational modeling and physical experimentation to advance building aerodynamics and urban environment analysis.
- Collaborate with an interdisciplinary research team within the Volt-Age program on climate resilience and decarbonization.
- Apply AI-based data analysis and coding techniques to improve urban microclimate modeling accuracy.
- Present research findings through scientific publications, reports, and conferences.
Research areas
- Wind engineering
- Wind effects on buildings & building aerodynamics
- Wind environment
- Dispersion of pollutants in the urban environment
- Computational wind engineering
- Codification of wind effects
- Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as engineering, computer science, fluid mechanics, building science, or wind engineering. Preference will be given to applicants with a strong foundation in machine learning, AI, or scientific programming.
- Demonstrated experience in coding and data analysis, with proficiency in languages such as Python, C++ and/or MATLAB.
- Knowledge of / or interest in machine learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) and their application to physical modeling or simulation would be advantageous.
- Experience with wind tunnel testing, aerodynamic modeling, or experimental data acquisition would also be advantageous.
- Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively in collaborative, interdisciplinary research environments.
- Enthusiasm to learn new tools and methods, and to bridge computational, engineering, and built environment disciplines.
- Fully funded PhD position with a competitive annual stipend, plus additional support for research-related travel, conferences, and collaboration with industry, government, and academic partners.
- Opportunity to work at the intersection of AI, wind engineering, and urban microclimate research, integrating machine learning models, advanced coding, and wind tunnel experimentation.
- Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and wind tunnel facilities at Concordia University, enabling experimental validation of AI-driven urban microclimate and building aerodynamics models.
- Structured mentorship and joint supervision by Dr. Theodore Stathopoulos and Dr. Liangzhu Leon Wang, leading researchers in wind engineering, urban microclimate, and climate resilience science.
- Collaboration with multidisciplinary Volt-Age teams across engineering, computer science, environmental studies, and urban resilience research domains.
- Strong support for publishing in high-impact journals, presenting at international conferences, and engaging with professional and policy communities advancing sustainable urban environments.
- A dynamic research environment at Concordia University in Montreal, a global hub for innovation in sustainable infrastructure, climate adaptation, and AI applications in engineering.
Please combine the following documents into a single PDF file.
- Cover letter expressing your interest in working in this position
- Academic CV
- Transcripts
- Names and contact information of 2 referees
- One writing sample, e.g., published journal/conference paper
- 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.
We particularly encourage applications from members of marginalized or minority groups, including those based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, Indigeneity, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status or age.
Send your PDF file to theodore.stathopoulos@concordia.ca and leon.wang@concordia.ca with the subject as:
Wind Engineering_Your Name
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Questions/contact
For all questions, please contact Alisa Makusheva at alisa.makusheva@concordia.ca.