PhD Position in Circular Building Systems and Computational Modeling (CIRCLE Lab)
The Circular Innovations for Resilient Communities and Livable Environments (CIRCLE) Lab at Drexel University invites applications for a fully funded PhD position supervised by Dr. Fernanda Cruz Rios. The position supports a growing research agenda focused on circular building systems, spatial modeling, and behavior-driven transitions toward material reuse in cities.
The selected student will contribute to the development of an integrated modeling framework that combines agent-based modeling, life cycle assessment, and spatial data to study how design, maintenance, and end-of-life decisions shape long-term material flows in the built environment. The work involves computational modeling, qualitative data collection with practitioners, and analysis of urban building data.
Research Focus
The student will have the opportunity to work on several interconnected components, such as:
- Building and refining a spatial agent-based model of circular building transitions.
- Integrating LCA and GIS data with behavioral modeling to simulate long-term urban material flows.
- Translating stakeholder insights into agent decision rules through participatory modeling.
- Analyzing building stock data, demolition and construction patterns, and material recovery scenarios.
- Contributing to research on knowledge diffusion, behavioral change, and socio-technical transitions in the construction sector.
Required Background
A master’s degree is preferred (civil, architectural, or environmental engineering; architecture; computer science; or a related field). Strong undergraduate applicants will be considered.
Applicants should have:
- Research experience or strong interest in sustainable building systems, circular economy, or life cycle assessment.
- Experience with programming and data analysis.
- Skills in AI/ML/data analytics or demonstrated potential to learn them quickly.
- Strong academic writing skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Desired Background (Strengthens the Application): Please mention any of the following skills in your statement of interest.
- Experience with agent-based modeling.
- Familiarity with GIS or spatial datasets.
- Experience with BIM, mixed reality, or digital workflows related to design and construction.
- Experience with qualitative methods (interviews, thematic analysis) or participatory modeling.
- Background or interest in decision science, complex systems, or socio-technical transitions.
- Familiarity with social or environmental justice topics in the built environment.
- Experience with life cycle assessment (environmental or social).
- Experience with functional programming (Lisp, Scheme, Haskell) is a plus but not required.
Environment
The student will join a multidisciplinary department and an active research group working across engineering, architecture, planning, and sustainability science. Projects often involve collaborations with faculty in computing, structural engineering, and urban systems. The CIRCLE Lab values curiosity, technical rigor, and research that centers on environmental and social equity.
How to Apply
Email fc432@drexel.edu with:
- CV
- A 1-page statement of interest
- Contact information for at least two references
For full consideration, apply by January 15, 2026. Review will continue until the position is filled.