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PhD on Sensor-Based Simulations for user adaptive lighting systems

Updated: 04 Oct 2024

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Research / Academic
Eindhoven

Are you an engineer who wants to develop an office environment that effortlessly provides the right lighting for the user in the most sustainable way? Are you eager to develop models that can facilitate the user's need by a smart lighting control system? Do you want to work in an exciting multidisciplinary team with members from academia and from industry? We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic PhD candidate who can help to develop the insights needed for the office lighting of the future.

The Building Lighting (BL) group is seeking one enthusiastic, ambitious researcher to work in our team as PhD candidate.

We challenge you to develop an adaptive lighting system that provides the right light at the right time according to the individual user's need in the context of an office environment.

We envision a simulation framework that accurately predicts the light (daylight and electric light) distribution on relevant surfaces within a space, using data from various sensors (e.g., weather data, occupancy profiles, indoor environmental parameters). By understanding the factors that impact the spatial light distribution indoors, the aim is to develop adaptive lighting solutions (e.g., automated shading systems, electric lighting control) that respond to real-time conditions and user needs contributing to sustainable and efficient lighting in buildings. Since light is only one specific environmental factor, competing environmental factors should also be considered.

The anticipated outcomes include:

  • A simulation framework for predicting spatial light distribution in interior spaces from sensor data.
  • Input for an adaptive lighting system that enhance energy efficiency and user's comfort, well-being and health.
  • Contributions to the broader research theme of "sustainable integrative lighting solutions," with a focus on lighting's impact on human health and well-being.
  • This project will have implications for creating more sustainable, adaptive, and human-centered lighting systems in the built environment.


You will be working in the Building Lighting Group and have access to the facilities offered by Building Physics and Services Lab (BE).

Your research will take place in collaboration with the Vitality Hub where, in collaboration with diverse academic and industrial partners, you can study and validate your concepts.

Requirements:

  • A master's degree or an equivalent university degree in Building Physics
  • Experience with and affinity for building lighting (daylight and electric light)
  • Experience in addressing user's lighting needs
  • Experience with lighting simulation tools like Radiance
  • Experience with machine learning and sensing systems is an asset.
  • A strong interest in lighting and lighting control research
  • A research-oriented attitude.
  • Strong conceptual thinking and planning skills; you are creative and proactive
  • Ability to work in an international and interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with academic and industrial partners.
  • Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
  • Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level) = IELTS: 7.0 score or TOEFL: 90 score.

Salary Benefits:

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. 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 four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
  • 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 P (min. €2,872 max. €3,670).
  • A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
  • High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
  • 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. 
Work Hours:

38 hours per week

Address:

De Rondom 70