PhD positions in Energy Technology with focus on Human–Building Interaction

Umeå University is one of Swedens largest higher education institutions with over 41500 students and about 4600 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was made here. At Umeå University everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet work together and exchange knowledge which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University conducting research about and in the middle of a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and fact the future is made here.

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The Department of Applied Physics and Electronicscurrentlyhas around100employees and conducts research in energy technologyapplied opticselectronicsandmedical department hostsThe Intelligent Human-Buildings Interaction (IHBI) Laban interdisciplinary research hub pioneering novel methods to study interactions between humans and the built environment. The lab provides a cutting-edge experimental platform that integrates immersive virtual environments witha state-of-the-artclimate chamber enabling realistic scenarios to be tested under controlled and repeatable conditions.

We are recruitingaPhD student in Energy Technology withfocusonHumanBuilding Interaction. Start date is September 15 2026 or as agreed. The application deadline is August 15 2026.

Project description
The project aims togenerate new knowledge on how households interact with energy systems in a sustainable built emphasisis placed on different human behaviors opportunities for participation and issues related to social combining perspectives from building technology environmental psychology and humanbuilding interaction the project will contribute to a deeper understanding of how sustainable energy transitions can be designed in ways that are technically effective socially robust and relevant to real-life residential contexts.

The project employs a combination of methods including controlled experiments in the IHBI laboratory studies in immersive and intelligent built environments and analysis of behavioral and physiological data. The work also includes the development of personas the use of LLMenhanced decision narratives and agent-based social modeling.

The knowledge generated in the project will form the basis for new methods and tools to better analyze household energy focusis placed onidentifyingbarriers and variations between different user groups as well as developing evidence-based strategies for more inclusive and sustainable energy solutions in the built environment.

As a doctoral student in the projectyou will be involved in experimental research combining immersive virtual environments climate chamber testing and advanced sensing technologies. The aim is todevelop new knowledge on humanbuilding interaction indoor environmental experiences adaptivebehaviour and inclusive energyefficient solutions.

Qualifications
To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level the applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle level degree or least 240 credits of courses of which at least 60 credits are at second-cycle level or have an equivalent education from another educational system or equivalent qualifications.

To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level inEnergy Technology the applicantmusthave completedcourses ofat least 120 credits within the field ofEnergy Technologyor otherrelatedsubject areas considered to be relevant fortheproject.

The requirements for prior knowledge as set out above are also considered to be fulfilled by a person whootherwisewithin oracquiredequivalent knowledgeabroadand which can be proven.

The requirements must be fulfilled at the time of admission to the doctoralprogramme but do not need to be met at the time of application.

We are looking for a highly motivated and goal-oriented candidate whohas the ability tothink critically anda constructive approach to applicant shoulddemonstrategood collaborative skills and be able to work effectively with other members of a research in English both in oral and written forms is mandatory.

It is considered a strong merit if you have:

• a background in construction engineering building engineering or building energy
• documented knowledge and experience of research within sustainable built environments
• experience in studies of occupant behavior as well as experimental work in immersive or intelligent indoor environments
• experience in quantitative data analysis and modeling methods such as agentbased modeling and AIsupported behavioral analysis.

Terms of employment
The employment is expected to result in a doctoraldegreeand the main assignment for the doctoral student is thus to be active in research study doctoral courses andpossibly participatein teaching courses at undergraduate level (up to 20%).

The employment is limited to fouryears atfull timeor up to five years in case teaching and/ or other departmental work is performed. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students atUmeåUniversity.

Start date is September 15 2026 or as agreed or as agreed. The application deadline is August 15 2026.

Application
Your application should include the following:

1. A cover letter with a brief description of your qualifications researchinterestsand motivation for applying and your contact details (max. 2 pages).
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Certified copies of relevant degree diploma(s).
4. A list of university courses with grades (transcripts). Note that for internationalapplicantsthe grading system should beexplained in brief.
5. Copy of Master thesis and publications (if any).
6. Contact information for at least two references who have either worked closely with the candidate or directlysupervisedthe candidate in an academic or professional setting.

The application including all attached documents must be written in English or Swedish. Applications should besubmittedthrough our electronic recruitment system.

For more information please contact:
Professor Weizhuo Lu
Email:
Phone:

Umeå University strives to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.