Investigating building physics for the Design of Resilient, Healthy and Energy-Efficient homes

Applications are invited for a fully funded three-year PhD studentship within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham, subject to funding approval.

Driven by the need of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the UK by 2050 and the rising energy cost, the UK building sector is facing an increasing pressure of achieving the carbon-neutral target in the coming decades. Numerous research studies have been undertaken in the UK to explore methods to reduce carbon emissions in both new and existing buildings. Significant achievements have been made both in terms of introducing more stringent regulatory requirements and adopting higher design standards. However, to achieve carbon reduction in buildings effectively by 2050 faces not only the technical and regulatory hurdles, but also the time and financial constraints.

We aim to minimise the building energy consumption that is required for the heating and ventilation purposes by achieving refined building operations, which enables us to provide the building with heating and ventilation only where it is required and when it is required. To help achieve this target, it is essential to gain an in-depth understanding of the building physics under various building operational conditions.  Therefore, we need to understand how the building physics affects the heat and air transfer not only between indoor and outdoor environment, but also between different zones in the building. It is essential to examine the inter-zonal relationships of a building both in terms of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics to inform the energy and ventilation strategies so the building energy demand can be minimised significantly. 

PhD project description

This studentship offers exciting research based in the Department of Architecture and Built Environment at the University of Nottingham. We seek to carry out research studies that are set to contribute to gaining a comprehensive scientific understanding of the building physics and enable us to deliver suitable, practical and effective building design and operation methodology. As part of the research scheme, this exciting PhD research will play a fundamental role in achieving these purposes.  

Candidate requirements

• Both home and international students are welcome to apply. For home students, a full home studentship is available (£19,237+ per annum). For international students, full international fees are provided but no stipend. In either case extra industry funding support may be available subject to the partner’s approval
• Candidates must possess or expect to obtain a 2:1 or first-class degree in an Engineering or Physical Sciences related discipline, or equivalent for international students.
• In addition to good work ethic and academic integrity, the ideal candidate will also have knowledge and experience in building science and technology, and be interested in low carbon buildings, indoor air quality and general sustainability
• Good writing and communication skills are essential
• Strong skills in using ANSYS fluent, Python, Matlab or similar coding software are desirable 
• Preferred PhD start date is 1 April 2025 but this is negotiable for the right candidate. Other starting dates are 1 October, 1 December, 1 February, and 1 July

How to apply

Please send a copy of your covering letter, CV and academic transcripts to Dr Xiaofeng (Ken) Zheng referring to the project title. Informal inquires can also be sent to this email address.

Closing date for applications: 30 January 2025. The position will start once a suitable candidate has been identified and subject to funding approval.