PhD in Concrete Reuse (Architecture and Circular Structures)
Top Benefits
About the role
Position summary Prof. Célia Küpfer (she/her) is welcoming applications for a new, fully funded PhD candidate position at McGill University, in the School of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering. In this position, the Ph.D. candidate will work on developing new deconstruction and re-construction methods for the reuse of concrete elements. This project is part of a larger project sponsored by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) on concrete reuse. As the successful candidate, you will contribute to a research project at the intersection of architecture, construction engineering, circular structures, and life-cycle analysis. The aim of this Ph.D. project is to develop new deconstruction and re-construction methods using advanced deconstruction tools to scale up concrete reuse. The tasks comprise exploration of new separation tools (including automation), the optimization of deconstruction patterns, the development of new re-assembly processes, and the evaluations of life-cycle gains.
Position requirements Master’s degree (or equivalent) in architecture or civil engineering (or related area) Good understanding of concrete structures and sustainable construction processes. Knowledge of concrete reuse, optimization methods, digital tools, and/or LCA is a plus. Curiosity and a genuine passion for scientific research Interest for interdisciplinary research, industrial collaboration, and prototyping Commitment and capacity to critical thinking and good research ethics. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. French is a plus
What we offer Fully covered tuitions fees for 4 years in McGill Architecture PhD Program Full stipend (24,000 CAD/year) + benefits Multiple opportunities for additional grants and scholarships Access to paid teaching assistantship positions Location: McGill downtown campus
Application process Apply by email to applykupfer@gmail.com before 20.07.2026 EOB. In the body of your email, (1) state your latest degree, and your current occupation and (2) explain in less than 400 words why you want to do a PhD, why on this project and why you think you would be a good candidate. As attachments, join as distinct (unzipped) PDF files: A 1-page motivation letter answering the following questions: Why do you want to work for a Ph.D. degree? Why on this project? CV with list of publications (if applicable) PDF version of your Master Thesis (file no larger than 5MB) with English abstract Low-resolution digital copies of diplomas and course grade transcripts (B.Sc. and M.Sc.) Portfolio or work samples (if applicable) (12 pages max) Only selected candidates will be contacted for interview. After this first round (interview), successful interviewed candidates will be invited to apply on McGill platform as finalists.
For finalists only Finalists will be invited to submit a full application on McGill platform by August 1st, 2026 (https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply/applying-mcgill). Finalist’s application must include a 3-page research proposal (+ 1 page of reference). It is recommended to structure the proposal as follows: (1) research context and research gap, (2) research objectives, (3) envisioned research methodology, (4) expected outputs and impacts.
About McGill University Funded in 1821, McGill is a leading research institution. In 2026, McGill is ranked as the best Canadian university and 30th best university in the world (QS ranking). With over 40 thousand students, McGill community has vibrant, multilingual and international character. Located in the downtown campus at the foot of the Mont Royal, the Faculty of Engineering is a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment. Inclusion and diversity are key values of the institution.
Expected starting date: 01.01.2027. Exceptional candidates might start on 01.09.2027
About McGill University
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PhD in Concrete Reuse (Architecture and Circular Structures)
Top Benefits
About the role
Position summary Prof. Célia Küpfer (she/her) is welcoming applications for a new, fully funded PhD candidate position at McGill University, in the School of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering. In this position, the Ph.D. candidate will work on developing new deconstruction and re-construction methods for the reuse of concrete elements. This project is part of a larger project sponsored by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) on concrete reuse. As the successful candidate, you will contribute to a research project at the intersection of architecture, construction engineering, circular structures, and life-cycle analysis. The aim of this Ph.D. project is to develop new deconstruction and re-construction methods using advanced deconstruction tools to scale up concrete reuse. The tasks comprise exploration of new separation tools (including automation), the optimization of deconstruction patterns, the development of new re-assembly processes, and the evaluations of life-cycle gains.
Position requirements Master’s degree (or equivalent) in architecture or civil engineering (or related area) Good understanding of concrete structures and sustainable construction processes. Knowledge of concrete reuse, optimization methods, digital tools, and/or LCA is a plus. Curiosity and a genuine passion for scientific research Interest for interdisciplinary research, industrial collaboration, and prototyping Commitment and capacity to critical thinking and good research ethics. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. French is a plus
What we offer Fully covered tuitions fees for 4 years in McGill Architecture PhD Program Full stipend (24,000 CAD/year) + benefits Multiple opportunities for additional grants and scholarships Access to paid teaching assistantship positions Location: McGill downtown campus
Application process Apply by email to applykupfer@gmail.com before 20.07.2026 EOB. In the body of your email, (1) state your latest degree, and your current occupation and (2) explain in less than 400 words why you want to do a PhD, why on this project and why you think you would be a good candidate. As attachments, join as distinct (unzipped) PDF files: A 1-page motivation letter answering the following questions: Why do you want to work for a Ph.D. degree? Why on this project? CV with list of publications (if applicable) PDF version of your Master Thesis (file no larger than 5MB) with English abstract Low-resolution digital copies of diplomas and course grade transcripts (B.Sc. and M.Sc.) Portfolio or work samples (if applicable) (12 pages max) Only selected candidates will be contacted for interview. After this first round (interview), successful interviewed candidates will be invited to apply on McGill platform as finalists.
For finalists only Finalists will be invited to submit a full application on McGill platform by August 1st, 2026 (https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply/applying-mcgill). Finalist’s application must include a 3-page research proposal (+ 1 page of reference). It is recommended to structure the proposal as follows: (1) research context and research gap, (2) research objectives, (3) envisioned research methodology, (4) expected outputs and impacts.
About McGill University Funded in 1821, McGill is a leading research institution. In 2026, McGill is ranked as the best Canadian university and 30th best university in the world (QS ranking). With over 40 thousand students, McGill community has vibrant, multilingual and international character. Located in the downtown campus at the foot of the Mont Royal, the Faculty of Engineering is a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment. Inclusion and diversity are key values of the institution.
Expected starting date: 01.01.2027. Exceptional candidates might start on 01.09.2027