University Assistant Prae-Doc (all genders)

At the Institute of Architectural Sciences, in the research unit of Building Physics and Building Ecology, a PhD-position as University Assistant (Prae-Doc) is to be filled, probably from December 2025 (30 hours per week, limited to expected 2 years). The doctoral position is advertised as part of the Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) program and is a collaboration between TU Wien and the Joint Research Center (JRC) of the European Commission. The doctoral position will be filled for a total of 4 years, 2 years at TU Wien and 2 years at the JRC. This partnership enhances the link between science-based evidence and policy making, finding their resonance in research and academia.

Research Topic

The research focuses on a data-driven framework for climate-neutral renovation of the EU building stock, linking science, policy, and practice. The title is “Greening and Renovating the EU Building Stock: A Data-Driven Framework for Climate Neutrality”, and will be conducted in two phases:

Research Unit of Building Physics and Building Ecology of the TU Wien (Vienna, Austria, 2 years). Develop models to assess the interaction between buildings, emissions and the microclimate, test different hypothetical scenarios of improved measures on the energy demand, and explore building renovation strategies.

Directorate C, Energy, Mobility and Climate of the JRC (Ispra, Italy, 2 years). Scaling the models to the European level, further exploring more accurate calculations of building characteristics and energy demand using machine learning methodologies.

This is a funded PhD position supervised by Dr. Kristina Orehounig (TU Wien) and Dr. Ana M. Martinez (JRC).

Tasks:

• Develop models and test buildings’ energy demand, emissions and climate interaction models
• Identify critical data for improving urban building energy simulations, considering local microclimatic conditions
• Assess retrofit and renovation strategies, including identifying energy consumption patterns
• Contribute to the Digital Building Stock Model (DBSM)
• Leverage modern machine learning methodologies to refine datasets of the EU building stock
• Writing of a doctoral dissertation and scientific publications

Your profile:

• MSc (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Computer Science, or any related field
• Knowledge in one or more of the following:
  • Smart buildings and urban planning
  • Urban Building Energy Modelling (UBEM) and Building Physics
  • Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
  • Machine learning algorithms
• Strong analytical and programming skills
• Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are required

We offer:

• A dynamic, multidisciplinary and international environment.
• A wide variety and exciting range of tasks in a collegial team
• Flexible working hours, and a set of attractive social benefits (see Benefits of TU Wien).
• Hybrid way of working with up to 40% teleworking option
• Wide range of internal and external training opportunities, various career options
• Central location and good accessibility (U1/U2/U4 Karlsplatz)
• At the JRC, you will have a unique opportunity to contribute to analysing and shaping EU policy towards strengthening the deployment of renewables, energy efficiency in buildings and affordable housing, working at the interface between science and policy

Empoyment conditions at TU Wien for the first 2 years: Entry level salary is determined by the pay grade B1 of the Austrian collective agreement for university staff. This is a minimum of currently EUR 2,786.10/month gross, 14 times/year for 30 hours/week. Relevant working experiences may increase the monthly income. (While employed at the JRC: The salary and benefits are those of a JRC Grantholder Category 20, following the Grantholder Rules. The annual gross salary will be around EUR 45.000 and is subject to national income tax).

Application procedure: The selection process will follow a two-step approach. TU Wien will review all applications and organise a first round of interviews to establish a shortlist of 2 to 5 candidates. The JRC will then organise a second panel interview to select the final candidate. 

Eligibility criteria: Candidates should, prior to the start of the employment contract with the JRC:

• Have the nationality of a Member State of the EU or a country associated to the EU Research Framework Programme in force or being resident in a EU Member State since at least five years and
• Be enrolled in a PhD programme with TUWien. Candidates who are already enrolled in the doctoral study program with the HEI for fewer than 12 months can also be considered eligible
• The selected candidate will have no more than 6 months from the request for confirmation of interest in the position, to produce proof of enrolment in the doctoral study program

We look forward to receiving your application until December 11th, 2025. Please submit the following:

• 1-page statement of purpose
• Detailed CV highlighting relevant projects and/or achievements
• University transcripts and diplomas (in English)
• Contact information of two referees (letters not required at this stage).