Embedded Networked Sensor Systems to Control Energy Consumption in Buildings

 PhD positions are available in the broad area of embedded sensor networks to leverage energy saving solutions in buildings including: building activity mapping, appliance activity recognition, web-based appliance actuation, building management systems, human-computer interaction, machine learning techniques.

The position will start as soon as possible, ideally from February 2010 and will be part of 2 projects in collaboration with Philips NL, CSTB FR(Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment), G.E.M. Team Solutions GE, and Episensor, IE. CLARITY has a main role within this project of data collection, processing and decision-making support.

Successful candidates will demonstrate a clear passion for research and a willingness to work as part of a dynamic and flexible research group. They will join an internationally recognised research group as part of the new CLARITY Centre for Sensor Web Technologies (www.clarity-centre.org), and will based in University College Dublin (UCD) under the supervision of Dr. Antonio Ruzzelli, project leader within CLARITY. All positions are fully funded through a tax-free scholarship of circa €18,000 per annum for up to four years, in addition to paid tuition fees.

Applicants for the PhD positions will normally have achieved at least a 2.1 in an undergraduate Computer Science, Electronic Engineering programme, or related discipline. The PhD positions will be fully-funded for up to 4 years and will include exciting opportunities to work directly with CLARITY's industry partners as part of a structured PhD programme within UCD.

The CLARITY Centre

The CLARITY centre is an international leading research institution and the most important research centre on sensor Web technologies in Ireland. CLARITY’s headquarter is at University College Dublin, Ireland's largest university, with over 1,300 faculty and 17,000 students. CLARITY is associated with a range of Irish and international companies and it broadens across several reseach institutions in Ireland. CLARITY’s objective is to develop and licence sensor solutions for those companies. More information about CLARITY is available at http://www.clarity.centre.org.

Applicant Profile

We are looking for proven top-class software developers/engineers with a background either in electronic, telecommunication or software engineering that have a passion for creating innovative solutions and self-motivation to achieve those goals. Candidates with industry experience or holders of a Master’s degree are favoured. We require a strong knowledge on at least 2 of the following: (1) Low-power embedded sensor system programming such as C, or using Contiki and TinyOS; (2) SQL database and some knowledge of servlets; (3) dynamic web applications development (Java, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, AJAX). We are interested in candidate with proven excellent English writing/oral skills (mother tongue, certified, or that can show some publications). A knowledge of the physical communication layer and Matlab is advantageous.

How to Apply

Applications should be sent by email to Dr. Antonio Ruzzelli at ruzzelli@ucd.ie together with: 

1.     Full CV

2.     Ranking in the class and marks of relevant modules

3.     A short description of reasons for applying and the most relevant project to the PhD topic.

4.     Available starting date

The applications will be evaluated and applicants notified within one month after reception of all documentation.