Research Assistant/Postdoctoral Researcher for HiLo living lab in Zürich

The Chair of Architecture and Building Systems (A/S) is an interdisciplinary team of researchers focusing on active and passive systems for building energy supply, climate control and occupant comfort. Our research aims to contribute knowledge to the realisation of a CO2-neutral built environment that efficiently consumes and produces energy while providing high user comfort. Our projects range from components to neighbourhoods, from design to operation.
The start date of the position is immediately or by agreement with a duration of one year at least until the end of 2023.

For the HiLo research unit in Dubendorf, the Architecture and Building Systems Group has designed and implemented innovative, integrated heating, cooling, ventilation and shading systems. Among these systems is an Adaptive Solar Façade for energy efficiency and generation. With over 1500 data points, the systems, indoor and outdoor environment and user interactions are monitored. After completion in 2021, research will be undertaken on the efficient operation and control of these systems (e.g. occupant-centred and learning-based controls), operational data analytics and research into occupant comfort in a realistic living lab setting.

Key tasks will include:

• Development, implementation and testing of building control algorithms in close cooperation with HiLo users and facility managers
• Tool development of an adaptive learning platform in an agile process that also takes into account the end users of the platform, e.g., by collecting feedback through surveys and interviews
• Positioning of additional sensors and implementation of supplementary measurements
• Data analysis and contributions to research publications

We are looking for an individual with a completed Master’s degree (for a Postdoctoral Researcher with a PhD degree) in a relevant subject, preferably with experience in academic research. In addition, you should meet the following requirements:

• Strong programming skills, preferably in Python
• Good knowledge of data analysis, visualisation and machine learning concepts and libraries
• Interest or preferably experience in controls and user interaction
• Basic knowledge of building HVAC systems
• High proficiency in English, written and spoken

If you are open-minded, communicative, team-oriented, self-organised and reliable, and have interest and experience in interdisciplinary approaches to solving the challenges of today’s built environment, we would be happy to hear from you.

We offer a modern, dynamic, international and multidisciplinary work environment as well as a young and enthusiastic team that values teamwork.