Development of a methodology for the co-design of construction materials and techniques for increased resilience and adaptation to climate change

Postdoctoral fellowship in Construction Engineering

• The main goal of this project is to devise strategies for the co-development of a master plan (blueprint) for climate adaptation of the built environment in a community of the Global South, employing a holistic approach that spans multiple sectors and engages both intra- and inter-community stakeholders.
• The postdoctoral fellow will oversee the articulation of the different tasks in the stages of the co-design process of three case studies (Living Labs) around the world. The Living Labs will aim at optimizing the engagement of community members in the co-design and implementation of durable solutions for the adaptation of their built environment to climate change. The postdoctoral fellow will play an important role in the management of the project’s activities during its whole duration (3 years). Such activities will take place in multiple sites around the world (research laboratories and Living Labs locations). This work will be carried out under the supervision of Claudiane Ouellet-Plamondon and Diego Ramirez Cardona of École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS).
• The postdoctoral fellow in engineering will have the following specific goals:
  1. Lead the actions to identify existing opportunities (technological solutions) for climate change adaptation in the unique local contexts of all Living Labs. These include, but are not limited to, nature-based construction techniques, locally reclaimed materials, modular construction, and energy efficiency improvements.
  2. Develop experimental methodologies to test and adapt technologies resulting from participatory processes, considering the unique local contexts.
  3. Monitor the progress of the work (schedule), oversee budget tracking and goal adherence and ensure compliance of each task of the project with outcomes of previous tasks and with future works.
  4. Collaborate with social sciences experts of the research team on designing the participatory processes in each Living Lab, which aim at filling information gaps needed for the co-design and climate adaptation processes.
  5. Oversee tasks aiming at mapping climate change-related current and future environmental risks, needs and risk perception in each Living Lab location.
  6. Build and oversee the conduction of workshops with community members and stakeholders.
  7. Actively participate in the consortium’s research committee.

Starting date:

• For local candidates, it will be September 2024; for international candidates, it will be according to immigration and administrative procedures (expected between September and December).
• The applications will be handled continuously and in a confidential manner.
• The interested parties must send the specified documents in the manner described below:
  • a one-page research proposal;
  • a curriculum vitae with a list of publications;
  • and a letter of motivation.
• The documents must be addressed by email to by July 30, 2024. The subject of the e-mail must be: PostDoc - Co Design for Climate Change Adaptation_LAST NAME.
• Please address the candidacy to Claudiane.Ouellet-Plamondon@etsmtl.ca and diego.ramirez-cardona@etsmtl.ca.