Vacant job

The Department of Applied Physics and Electronics currently has approximately 100 employees and conducts research in areas such as energy technology, laser spectroscopy, medical technology, and electronics. The department houses the IHBI laboratory (Intelligent Human-Buildings Interaction), an interdisciplinary research environment that develops new methods for studying the interaction between humans and the built environment. The laboratory offers an advanced experimental platform that integrates immersive virtual environments with a state-of-the-art climate chamber, making it possible to test realistic scenarios under controlled and reproducible conditions.

We are now seeking a PhD student in Energy Technology with a focus on Human-Buildings Interaction. The start date is September 15th or as agreed. The application deadline is August 15, 2026.

Project Description

The project aims to generate new knowledge about how households interact with energy systems in a sustainable built environment. Special emphasis is placed on people's diverse behaviors, opportunities for participation, and issues of social sustainability. The project takes an interdisciplinary perspective where building technology is combined with environmental psychology and knowledge about the interaction between humans and buildings. This contributes to a deeper understanding of how sustainable energy transitions can be designed to function well both technically and socially, and are adapted to real residential environments.

The project uses a combination of different 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 LLM-enhanced 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 behavior. Particular focus is placed on identifying barriers 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 PhD student in the project, you will work with experimental research where immersive virtual environments, climate chambers, and advanced sensor technology are used. The goal is to create new knowledge about how people experience, use, and adapt to buildings, and to contribute to the development of more inclusive and energy-efficient solutions.

Qualifications

To be admitted to postgraduate studies, the applicant must have basic eligibility through a completed advanced level degree, having fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (HEC), of which at least 60 HEC at the advanced level, or have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.

To meet the requirement for special eligibility for admission to doctoral studies in energy technology, the applicant must have fulfilled course requirements of at least 120 HEC in the field of energy technology or related areas assessed as directly relevant to the subject area.

The requirements for prior knowledge as stated above are also considered met by those who have acquired equivalent knowledge in another manner, within or outside the country, and can provide proof.

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

We are looking for a highly motivated and goal-oriented candidate with the ability to think critically and who has a constructive approach to feedback. The applicant must also show good teamwork skills and be able to work effectively together with other members of a research group. Very good skills in English, both spoken and written, are required.

It is highly meritorious if you have:

• background in building construction, building technology, or building energy
• documented knowledge and experience of research in sustainable built environments
• experience in studies of user behavior as well as experimental work in immersive or intelligent indoor environments
• experience in quantitative data analysis and modeling methods, such as agent-based modeling and AI-supported behavioral analysis

Terms of Employment

The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree, and the PhD student's main task is therefore to be active in research, PhD courses, and possibly work within the department's undergraduate education (up to 20%).

The employment is limited to four years on a full-time basis or up to five years if teaching and other departmental work is performed. The salary follows the established salary level for PhD students at Umeå University.

The start date is September 15th or as agreed. The application deadline is August 15, 2026.

Application

Your application should include the following:

• A cover letter with a brief description of your qualifications, research interests, and motivation for applying (max 2 pages).
• Curriculum vitae (CV).
• Certified copies of degree certificates and diplomas.
• A list of university courses with grades. Note that for international applicants, the grading system should be explained briefly.
• A copy of the thesis and any relevant publications.
• Contact details for at least two reference persons who have either worked closely with the applicant or have been the applicant's supervisor in an academic or professional context.

The application, including all attachments, must be written in English or Swedish. The application is made via our electronic recruitment system.

For more information, contact:

Professor Weizhuo Lu

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: +46 73 836 9536

Open to all
We focus on your competence, not your other prerequisites. We are open to adapting the role or workplace to your needs.