PhD Position in Uncertainty-Based Life-Cycle Modelling for Building Renovation Decision-Making
Challenge: Design building renovations under future uncertainty.
Change: Develop uncertainty-aware life-cycle methods to optimise renovation.
Impact: Enable robust decisions for sustainable buildings.
Job description
Delft University of Technology is hiring a PhD researcher on “Uncertainty-based Life-Cycle Modelling for Building Renovation Decision-Making”. The PhD position is part of the Horizon Europe CLIMABUILD project.
The candidate will develop probabilistic life-cycle modelling methods to support stakeholders in identifying robust and resilient building renovation strategies. The research will address current limitations in renovation planning by integrating lifecycle performance, climate risks, indoor comfort requirements, sustainability objectives and future uncertainties into a unified decision-making framework. The candidate will develop probabilistic modelling and stress-testing approaches, including Monte Carlo simulations and sensitivity analyses, to evaluate renovation strategies under uncertainties related to climate change, energy systems, market conditions, regulations and component lifetimes. The developed methods will support the identification of performance thresholds and robust renovation solutions under changing future conditions. The research outcomes will contribute to an explainable decision-support framework capable of visualizing renovation scenarios and communicating recommendations to stakeholders. Validation will be performed through real-world, multi-climate demonstration cases within the CLIMABUILD project. The candidate will work at the intersection of climate resilience assessment, life-cycle modelling and uncertainty quantification.
The successful candidate will collaborate with three research groups within the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment: Structures and Materials (restructgroup), Building Design & Technology (architectural-facades-products) and Environmental & Climate Design (climate-energy-circularity). The position is funded for 48 months, during which the candidate will conduct PhD research and contribute to the broader CLIMABUILD research agenda. The project offers opportunities to collaborate with international industrial and academic partners from related disciplines, including digital technologies, civil engineering, architecture and risk science.
About CLIMABUILD: The project develops a next-generation digital ecosystem for deep renovation by introducing the Sustained Resilience approach, which integrates climate adaptation and long-term sustainability across the building lifecycle. Combining AI-enhanced digital twins, immersive technologies and participatory co-creation, the project enables citizens, practitioners and public authorities to jointly develop and evaluate renovation strategies. Demonstrated across four European countries, CLIMABUILD aims to accelerate building decarbonization while strengthening resilience against multiple climate hazards.
Job requirements
You have a MSc degree in Building Technology, Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or a related discipline.
You have building-related knowledge and knowledge of one or more of the following areas: building performance simulation, lifecycle assessment, or climate resilience.
Knowledge of uncertainty quantification and risk modelling is desirable.
You have experience with programming and data analysis (e.g., Python).
You have strong analytical skills and interest in interdisciplinary research.
You have excellent oral and written communication skills in English proven by a minimum score of 100 in TOEFL or IELTS of 7.0 per sub-skill (writing, reading, listening, speaking). For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
You are able to work independently, take initiative and collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
You are motivated to develop innovative methods addressing real-world challenges in sustainable and resilient building renovation.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.
For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.
At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.
Faculty Architecture & the Built Environment
The Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment has a leading role in education and research worldwide. The driving force behind the faculty’s success is its robust research profile combined with the energy and creativity of its student body and academic community. It is buzzing with energy, with four thousand people enthusiastically studying, working, designing, conducting research and acquiring and disseminating knowledge. Our faculty has a strong focus on 'design-oriented research’, which has given it a top position in world rankings.
Staff and students are working to improve the built environment with the help of a broad set of disciplines, including architectural design, urban planning, building technology, social sciences, process management, and geo-information science. The faculty works closely with other faculties, universities, private parties, and the public sector, and has an extensive network in the Netherlands as well as internationally.
about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Simona Bianchi, via e-mail:
[email protected].
For more information about the application procedure, please contact Paulien Stastra, via e-mail:
[email protected].
#EUfunded This is an EU funded project, named CLIMABUILD, with project number 101326320, within program H2020 / Horizon Europe.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 29 September 2026 (local Dutch time + 2 hrs) upload the following documents:
Your CV - highlighting examples of projects and/or achievements that demonstrate skills relevant to the advertised position;
Your motivation letter (no more than 600 words) addressing your interests and describing how your experience and plans fit with the position;
The contact information for two references (letters not required at this stage);
Your MSc thesis and, if applicable, one or two notable publications you have authored;
Your undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to first-round interviews in mid-October, with a decision expected in early November.
Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
Please note:
You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
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Faculty/Department: Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment
Salary range: €3059 - €3881
Submission is possible until: 29 Sep 2026
