Head of Laboratory in the area of Building Physics (80-100%) in Dübendorf

The mission of the laboratory aims at the decarbonization of the building stock and the enhancement of user comfort in parallel, hence pursuing a systemic approach in the research work. Future core research activities of the laboratory should focus on areas such as the deepening of the fundamental understanding and description of the thermodynamic behavior of new and existing buildings and building components, the development of building materials with seasonal dependent properties and the development of more effective renovation strategies e.g. by the use of digital models. Compliance with the concept of circular economy is an overarching goal in all activities. An additional research stream of the laboratory pertains to the understanding of building – outdoor microclimate interactions in close collaboration with the Chair of Building Physics at ETH Zurich. The experimental facilities of the laboratory include wind and water tunnels with time-resolved PIV/LIF, which are operated in collaboration with ETH Zurich. Furthermore, large-scale environmental chambers and various equipment to study the hygrothermal behavior of building materials are available.

Your Tasks

As an inspirational research leader you will manage a highly interdisciplinary laboratory, you develop projects and you obtain funding for your activities. You will establish collaborations on a national and international level with scientific, governmental and industrial partners, and organize local and international scientific events. You will present your findings in scientific publications, patents and at conferences. Teaching at university level is encouraged.

Your Profile

You have a doctoral degree in physics, mechanical engineering or a similar field with a research track record and strong expertise in at least one of the core competences of the laboratory. Expertise in obtaining and leading large projects, maintaining long-term collaboration with scientific and industrial partners is required. Excellent publishing and communication skills are expected together with an already existing broad professional national and international network. You are a team player and have experience in motivating and leading research teams. Your strengths include taking personal responsibility, high motivation for excellence, and flair for elaborating innovative out-of-the-box solutions. Excellence in English, both written and spoken is required. Good knowledge in German or at least in one of the other Swiss national languages is of great advantage. We offer a challenging executive position at a research institution with excellent infra-structure and broad interdisciplinary surroundings. Working place is Dübendorf.