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Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
Studenten im Sommer auf dem Campus Nord, rote Zahnräder im Hintergrund © Roland Baege​/​TU Dortmund

PhD Position: Data-Driven Characterization of Real Building Performance Using Monitoring Data

The Sustainable Energy Systems group at ie³ is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to conduct research on the use of monitoring technologies and operational data for the characterization of real building performance. The position is embedded in ongoing research activities on energy-efficient buildings, building monitoring, and empirical building physics, with a particular focus on living lab approaches.

Research Topic

The PhD project will investigate how monitoring and operational data can be used to characterize not only building operation, but also the physical properties and performance of buildings, particularly the building envelope. 

Possible research topics include:

  • Identification of building envelope properties from operational monitoring data
  • Development of inverse modelling and data-driven characterization methods
  • Long-term monitoring and analysis of buildings in living lab settings
  • Detection of faults, degradation, or anomalous building behaviour using monitoring data
  • Integration of monitoring data into building simulation and digital twin approaches 

The exact focus of the PhD project can be adapted according to the candidate’s background and interests.

Your Profile

We are looking for candidates with:

  • A university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in energy engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, data science, or a related field
  • Strong interest in building energy performance, monitoring, and data analysis
  • Knowledge of building simulation, building information modelling (BIM/IFC), inverse modelling, or operational data analysis is advantageous
  • Programming and modelling skills, preferably in Python
  • Experience with monitoring technologies, sensor systems, or building automation is beneficial
  • Interest in interdisciplinary work at the interface of building physics, data science, and real-world experimentation
  • Very good English skills; German language skills are an advantage

We offer

  • An interdisciplinary and internationally relevant research topic at the interface of digital monitoring technologies, building simulation, and data science
  • Collaboration within living lab and demonstration projects
  • A flexible and collaborative working environment
  • Remuneration according to TV-L E13 

Please send your CV, cover letter, and relevant certificates/documents by email to Prof. Sibylle Braungardt at Sibylle.braungardt@tu-dortmund.de by June 15th 2026.