DTU offers a PhD scholarship in the domain fire safety engineering focusing on energy performance of buildings and associated fire safety challenges. Energy renovation of buildings often includes an exchange of windows, from traditional 2-layer panes to modern 3-layer windows with added reflective foil and perhaps argon gas, laminated (for security) or the like.
Such renovation with more thermal insulation and energy-efficient glass panes has a twofold negative impact on the fire safety: on one side, the improved heat insulation gives rise to faster fire development in the early fire course and more severe temperatures of the fully developed fire; on the other side, low-energy multi-layered windows are known to not break as easily as older windows, which results in a lower ventilation and burning rate in the fully developed phase of the fire.
The faster temperature rises in the early phase of the fire results in a more rapid achievement of critical conditions and, consequently, in a shorter available evacuation time and a more challenging evacuation.
The lower burning rate of the fuel in the fully developed phase of the fire leads to a longer fire and a longer and, therefore, more severe heating of the structural elements. Consequently, current requirements for fire resistance classifications, which are based on knowledge of fire behaviour in traditional buildings, may not be conservative.
The aim of the PhD scholarship is to carry out investigations on the behavior of low-energy windows and achieve a better understanding and modeling of the fire behavior in modern low-energy building, to ensure and maintain the safety of both people and property in present and future buildings.
Responsibilities and qualifications
The PhD project is part of a project financially supported by GI (Grundejernes Investeringsfond), DF (Danielsens Fond) and DTU Construct. The PhD student research activities will be done at the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering (DTU Construct) with a focus on proposing a way or methodology for energy renovation of buildings without compromising fire safety.
You must have a two-year M.Sc. degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master degree. The degree must be within fire safety or civil engineering or in a comparable area. Further, the candidate should have a deep knowledge of passive and active fire protection systems, fire dynamics, evacuation principles and general knowledge of construction (structures, building physics, energy performance etc.). Good command of the English language, both spoken and written, is essential. The candidate is expected to be self-motivated and to publish results in international peer-reviewed journals.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU’s rules for the PhD education.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by associate professor Lars Schiøtt Sørensen and associate professor Luisa Giuliani, Section for Design and Processes.
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.
The starting date is as soon as possible. The position is a full-time position and is based in Denmark. Specifically, the workplace will be the Civil and Mechanical Engineering Department of the Technical University of Denmark, DTU Lyngby Campus.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Head of Study, Associate Professor Lars Schiøtt Sørensen, email: Lsso@dtu.dk or phone +45 29 100 296.
You can read more about DTU Construct at www.dtu.construct.dk.
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 18 November 2022 (Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae, including list of possible publications, relevant projects, or experience in the field of fire safety engineering (such as consultancy, authorities, assurance etc.)
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
You may apply prior to obtaining your master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
DTU Civil and Mechanical Engineering develops and utilizes science and technical knowledge for the benefit of society and the sustainable development. We undertake research, education, innovation, and scientific advice of the highest quality within building design and processes, building construction and safety, building energy and installation, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering design and thermal energy systems. DTU Civil and Mechanical Engineering has a special role in researching, educating, and developing new construction engineering solutions for Arctic settings, for the benefit of society in both Denmark and Greenland.
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,400 students and 5,800 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.
Apply for this job
Apply no later than 18 November 2022
Apply for the job at DTU Construct by completing the following form.