• Are you inspired by the role of smart technologies and artificial intelligence in the Built Environment?
• Are you fascinated by multidisciplinary research?
• Are you passionate about improving the living environments of people and user-centric design and research?

The department of the Built Environment is looking for a EngD trainee to carry out research to reduce energy poverty in social housing, while reducing CO2 emissions in the building industry.

The goal of the MAI-HOME project is to develop AI-based solutions that can be used by housing associations, home owners, and social housing tenants to improve the indoor environment of housing, reduce energy consumption and to be more efficient in the management of buildings and building renovation processes.

Your role within the project would be the (re)development of an existing online tool intended to support the decision making process of home owners on what renovation measures to take in their own homes. In the re-development of the tool, AI should take a more prominent role. Thus, you will investigate how data from monitoring homes, or provided by the residents, could be used to enhance the current models with the use of ML, or how AI-based communication or models could make people more aware of their own behaviour and its consequences for their own wellbeing and for the environment.

The re-developed tool should be also adapted to the needs of housing associations, and integrate the latest knowledge on occupants' behaviour and its effects on building performance. For the re-development of the tool, you might have to learn new (programming) skills, as well as database management. Furthermore, you will collaborate with other project partners in the group pilots of the tools created in the project.

• You have a master's degree (or an equivalent university degree) in building and/or energy related fields.
• You have experience using emerging technologies for design and/or data analysis.
• You are willing and enthusiastic to learn new methods and skills.
• You have the ability and interest to work in a multidisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industry partners.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an international setting with a close relationship to industry. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for two years.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale TOIO  (€2,844).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• To support you during your EngD and to prepare you for the rest of your career, you will have free access to a personal development program for EngD trainees.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.