PRR Project

Summary

Driven by the increasing need for expertise in both Sustainability in Construction and Built Heritage Conservation, the RISCO research unit is currently seeking a highly qualified Assistant Researcher. The successful candidate will have a key role in our research unit, contributing significantly to advancing knowledge by systematically tackle existing challenges and innovative solutions, with a specific focus on Sustainability in construction and efficiency of resources in the built environment considering Built heritage conservation and renovation. The key responsibilities involve issues such as:Built heritage Conservation and RetrofittingBackground in structural engineering with a focus on the rehabilitation and retrofitting of existing structures, particularly built heritage assets.Demonstrated capability to contribute to the development of sustainable and resilient solutions for enhancing the structural integrity of urban infrastructure.Sustainable solutions in constructionKnowledge of sustainable practices and methodologies related to structures and infrastructures maintenance and/or development.Research experience in sustainable materials, green construction techniques, and life cycle analysis of structures and/or infrastructure.Research and Scholarship:Work independently to develop, plan, and execute high-quality research with a significant and/or wide application focus in innovative processes and materials involving digital technologies to achieve more sustainable solutions in construction.Identify and secure external funding through the development and submission of research proposals.Knowledge Exchange and External Engagement:Develop networks and partnerships for mutually beneficial knowledge exchange, practice sharing, and innovation.Cultivate productive working relationships within and across the research unit, actively participating in relevant meetings and committees. Scientific profileMoreover, the ideal candidate should embody a multidimensional scientific profile characterized by a proactive ability to engage in interdisciplinary research, collaborating successfully with experts in diverse fields such as environmental science, conservation, and digital technology.The ideal candidate should have a strong track record of scholarly publications in top-ranked scientific journals, book chapters, and impactful conference proceedings, demonstrating a commitment to advancing the field and contributing to the scholarly discourse.Improving the circularity and reducing CO2 emissions in construction is paramount for mitigate the environmental and social impacts of the construction sector. The valorization of wastes as secondary raw materials in construction products is a key strategy to meet EU 2030 and 2050 environmental targets for the sector.Competencies in several domains relevant to digital construction, including 3D modeling, modification of the properties of conventional building materials for digital fabrication, and awareness of different printing techniques will also be highly desirable as the employee would be responsible for developing and characterizing novel waste-containing materials for additive manufacturing, conduct physical, mechanical and durability testing, prototype conception and execution, evaluating and improving the structural integrity of the developed building elements, assessing scalability, and analyzing the environmental and cost-effectiveness of proposed solutions.Research will focus in developing and exploring the integration of digital manufacturing technologies in construction and heritage building conservation is expected on the candidate to contribute to address such challenges, demanding extensive research to address the inherent challenges of merging traditional construction methods and materials with such cutting-edge technologies.The scientific profile for this position must hold a Ph.D. in civil engineering or a related field with strong expertise in construction materials and built heritage conservation. RationaleThe rationale for hiring in this scientific area is multifaceted and stems from a forward-looking perspective. It anticipates a future where it is essential to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to upcycle industrial wastes into novel, multifunctional and add-value products for the built environment. Labor shortages are another pressing factor in the construction market, particularly relevant in domains where highly specialized workers are needed, as in the case of conservation and rehabilitation of heritage structures. Concurrently, the imperatives of sustainability and the circular economy, as emphasized in initiatives like the European Green Deal, serve as compelling motivators for action in this domain.In this context, specialized expertise is essential for effectively tackling these challenges and pioneering innovative solutions.