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.

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

Expected starting date: 01.01.2027. Exceptional candidates might start on 01.09.2027

Public funding alone (i.e. government, region, European, international organization research grant)

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

Funded in 1821, McGill is a leading research institution. In 2026, McGill is ranked as the best Canadian university and 30^th 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.

PhD

Canada

McGill University

• 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