The expertise of the Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory on Sustainable Engineering and Ecodesign (LIRIDE) focuses on life cycle impact assessment. Internationally recognized for its scientific research, LIRIDE supports industry, SMEs, and organizations in their commitment to true sustainable development supported by life cycle assessment and the circular economy. Located at the University of Sherbrooke (Canada), LIRIDE is seeking applications for the following position.
About the role
Project title: LCA of material and utility flows from forest to wood buildings in Canada.
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This master project is part of the first major initiative of the Canadian Wood Construction Research Network (CWCRN) that promotes academic research on wood construction in Canada. This initiative aims to train over 50 HQP supervised by a team of experts consisting of 31 faculty members from 14 Canadian universities and another 20 scientists and professionals from 12 government and industry partners. LIRIDE's expertise will contribute to developing and clarifying knowledge relating to the life-cycle environmental benefits of wood construction.
The Canadian forest sector is so well integrated between industries that supply chains overlap. This poses challenges for LCA, because many products rely on joint upstream processes. To appropriately represent the total potential impact of forest activities, the lifecycle inventory modelling must be based on consistent allocation factors. The aim of the master project is to develop an economic equilibrium model for mass timber construction in North America. This project will leverage the most recent physical and economic data and models to provide the LCA community with the tools to address allocation and sectoral changes in a consistent manner. The results of this project will feed a PhD project from the same initiative, which seeks to integrate material flow and value chain analysis into the economic equilibrium model, to assess the consequences of the increased use of wood in construction.
Qualifications
Your qualifications should include:
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A bachelor's degree in civil, building, mechanical, environmental engineering or similar studies with excellent grades.
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A strong interest in modeling would be an important advantage
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Your admission will be subject to the standard rules of the University of Sherbrooke (funding assured for the entire duration of the master project). The project will start as soon as possible or upon mutual agreement.
You are expected to contribute to teaching and research activities of the laboratory up to a maximum of 20% of your working time.
Daily work
The work will be carried out within an interdisciplinary team of LIRIDE, in close collaboration with the various stakeholders in the initiative. The team will consist of one master’s student, three PhD students and researchers. In addition, an integral part of your work is to publish your results in peer-reviewed journals and present them at international conferences.
Admission
We look forward to receiving your online application including :
Resume
Cover letter
Credentials
Two references
We will begin interviewing candidates as soon as a sufficient number of applications are received.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.