Scientific Collaborator oPENlab
Solliciteren
Plaats
Leuven3000
Vlaams-Brabant
België
Contract
Vooltijds, Onbepaalde duurDatum gepubliceerd
2026-02-15Online to:
2026-04-16EUR 20.00 HOUR
Scientific Collaborator oPENlab
- EnergyVille
- Vlaams-Brabant
- 5 uren geleden
(ref. BAP
Last modified: 13/02/26
KU Leuven and VITO closely collaborate within the research line Buildings and Districts at the EnergyVille research center. In this context, we are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated scientific collaborator for a one-year position within the Horizon 2020 oPENlab project.
oPENlab is a living lab focused on Positive Energy Neighborhoods (PENs), where real buildings and districts are monitored before and after renovation to evaluate how energy performance, comfort, and flexibility evolve over time. The project combines real-world measurement data with advanced building and district energy modelling to support evidence-based renovation strategies and smart energy system design.
The scientific collaborator will play a key role in analysing and interpreting operational data collected before and after renovation, helping to assess the impact of renovation measures at building and neighborhood scale. This includes supporting the development and calibration of building and district energy models, contributing to data-driven performance evaluation, and translating insights into recommendations for control strategies and future technology investments within Positive Energy Neighborhoods.
This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of experimental data analysis, energy simulations, and applied research in a highly collaborative environment between VITO, KU Leuven, and EnergyVille.
Unit website
Responsibilities
oPENlab (open Positive Energy Neighbourhood laboratory) is a large-scale living lab initiative that supports the design, implementation, and evaluation of Positive Energy Neighborhoods (PENs) through real-life experimentation. The project brings together research institutions, technology providers, public authorities, and end users to investigate how buildings and districts can collectively produce more energy than they consume on an annual basis, while ensuring comfort, affordability, and system flexibility.
The oPENlab activities focus on real neighbourhoods located in Genk, Belgium, with key research and coordination activities taking place at EnergyVille. These neighbourhoods function as living laboratories, in which buildings are monitored extensively before and after renovation. High-resolution operational data are collected on energy consumption, renewable energy production, indoor environmental quality, and system operation, enabling an evidence-based assessment of renovation and energy system interventions.
A central pillar of oPENlab is the strong integration of monitoring, data analysis, and advanced energy modelling. Measured data are used to develop, calibrate, and validate building- and district-level simulation models, forming digital representations of Positive Energy Neighborhoods. These digital twins support continuous performance evaluation, the analysis of alternative control strategies, and the assessment of future technology investments, such as renewable generation, storage, and smart energy management systems.
In addition to technical performance, oPENlab addresses district-level system integration and scalability. The project studies interactions between buildings within a neighborhood, the use of flexibility to support the electricity grid, and the transferability of renovation and energy concepts to other urban contexts. The insights generated are translated into methodologies, guidelines, and decision-support tools for researchers, policymakers, urban planners, and energy professionals.
Your role in this project is helping with the analysis of the data before and after renovation. This includes analyzing the already gathered measurement data and comparing them with building energy simulations. You will assist in writing scientific publications on the topic.
The oPENlab project is funded by the European Union under the Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, supporting its ambition to bridge the gap between research and real-world implementation and to accelerate the transition toward climate-neutral and energy-positive neighbourhoods.
Profile
Buildings play an important role in the energy transition. Their energy demand should be drastically reduced, renewable energy sources should be integrated and they should exchange energy whit each other. To do so Europe encourages the development of Positive Energy Neighborhoods (PEN) which are energy-efficient and energy-flexible urban areas or groups of connected buildings which produce net zero green- house gas emissions and actively manage an annual local or regional surplus production of renewable energy. The project is focusing on transforming existing districts and neighborhoods into energy neutral and zero-carbon buildings and built environments. Knowledge of building energy flow and the simulation of these flows is essential. Independence and initiative, reliability in team work and good communication skills are similarly valuable. Finally, a suitable knowledge of spoken and written English is required.
The position is open for applicants holding a Master of Science in Engineering (or equivalent): Architecture, Civil Engineering, Energy, Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering with a strong interest and experience in the field of energy in buildings. Knowledge and experience in the following fields will be relevant:
Building energy simulation, focusing on model buildings, equipment, HVAC and electrical systems
Design and operation of buildings and the built environment
Object-oriented programming, software development tools
Use of statistics and Artificial Intelligence in the built environment
Integration of Renewable Energy in the built environment
In your CV and motivation letter you should clearly indicate your experience and knowledge in the above mentioned fields and why you are interested and motivated to acquire expertise in the other fields.
Offer
The successful applicant will receive a one year position as scientific collaborator at the Civil Engineering Department of KU Leuven.
You will participate in exciting scientific projects on PENs. The research will be carried out at the EnergyVille research center in Genk and at the Building Physics Section from the KU Leuven.
EnergyVille is actively collaborating with industry which enables you to expand your professional network.
You can participate in training organized at University of Leuven, one of the top European Universities, providing an excellent research environment.
You will have access to state-of-the-art technologies, core facilities and technical support
You will gain experience in many transferal skills and receive personalized mentoring.
You will also have the opportunity to participate in local and international conferences and thus expend your scientific network
Full funding is available.
The position is available immediately.
Interested?
Successful candidates are encouraged to apply online.
The application file should contain a motivation letter, detailed CV, copies of latest degree and transcripts and the names and contact details of 2 referees.
For more information please contact Dirk Saelens, tel.: , mail:
You will become a scientific collaborator in Building Physics and Sustainable Design Section of the Department of Civil Engineering at KU Leuven. The Building Physics and Sustainable Design Section is active in Leuven, Genk and Ghent. The section's research targets heat and mass transfer in porous building materials, durability of (highly insulated) building components, and the energy use and indoor air quality in buildings and the built environment.
You can apply for this job no later than March 01, 2026 via the online application tool
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
Job application procedure
Working conditions
Career opportunities
Do you have a question about the online application system? Please consult our FAQ or email us at
Apply for this position
Last modified: 13/02/26
KU Leuven and VITO closely collaborate within the research line Buildings and Districts at the EnergyVille research center. In this context, we are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated scientific collaborator for a one-year position within the Horizon 2020 oPENlab project.
oPENlab is a living lab focused on Positive Energy Neighborhoods (PENs), where real buildings and districts are monitored before and after renovation to evaluate how energy performance, comfort, and flexibility evolve over time. The project combines real-world measurement data with advanced building and district energy modelling to support evidence-based renovation strategies and smart energy system design.
The scientific collaborator will play a key role in analysing and interpreting operational data collected before and after renovation, helping to assess the impact of renovation measures at building and neighborhood scale. This includes supporting the development and calibration of building and district energy models, contributing to data-driven performance evaluation, and translating insights into recommendations for control strategies and future technology investments within Positive Energy Neighborhoods.
This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of experimental data analysis, energy simulations, and applied research in a highly collaborative environment between VITO, KU Leuven, and EnergyVille.
Unit website
Responsibilities
oPENlab (open Positive Energy Neighbourhood laboratory) is a large-scale living lab initiative that supports the design, implementation, and evaluation of Positive Energy Neighborhoods (PENs) through real-life experimentation. The project brings together research institutions, technology providers, public authorities, and end users to investigate how buildings and districts can collectively produce more energy than they consume on an annual basis, while ensuring comfort, affordability, and system flexibility.
The oPENlab activities focus on real neighbourhoods located in Genk, Belgium, with key research and coordination activities taking place at EnergyVille. These neighbourhoods function as living laboratories, in which buildings are monitored extensively before and after renovation. High-resolution operational data are collected on energy consumption, renewable energy production, indoor environmental quality, and system operation, enabling an evidence-based assessment of renovation and energy system interventions.
A central pillar of oPENlab is the strong integration of monitoring, data analysis, and advanced energy modelling. Measured data are used to develop, calibrate, and validate building- and district-level simulation models, forming digital representations of Positive Energy Neighborhoods. These digital twins support continuous performance evaluation, the analysis of alternative control strategies, and the assessment of future technology investments, such as renewable generation, storage, and smart energy management systems.
In addition to technical performance, oPENlab addresses district-level system integration and scalability. The project studies interactions between buildings within a neighborhood, the use of flexibility to support the electricity grid, and the transferability of renovation and energy concepts to other urban contexts. The insights generated are translated into methodologies, guidelines, and decision-support tools for researchers, policymakers, urban planners, and energy professionals.
Your role in this project is helping with the analysis of the data before and after renovation. This includes analyzing the already gathered measurement data and comparing them with building energy simulations. You will assist in writing scientific publications on the topic.
The oPENlab project is funded by the European Union under the Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, supporting its ambition to bridge the gap between research and real-world implementation and to accelerate the transition toward climate-neutral and energy-positive neighbourhoods.
Profile
Buildings play an important role in the energy transition. Their energy demand should be drastically reduced, renewable energy sources should be integrated and they should exchange energy whit each other. To do so Europe encourages the development of Positive Energy Neighborhoods (PEN) which are energy-efficient and energy-flexible urban areas or groups of connected buildings which produce net zero green- house gas emissions and actively manage an annual local or regional surplus production of renewable energy. The project is focusing on transforming existing districts and neighborhoods into energy neutral and zero-carbon buildings and built environments. Knowledge of building energy flow and the simulation of these flows is essential. Independence and initiative, reliability in team work and good communication skills are similarly valuable. Finally, a suitable knowledge of spoken and written English is required.
The position is open for applicants holding a Master of Science in Engineering (or equivalent): Architecture, Civil Engineering, Energy, Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering with a strong interest and experience in the field of energy in buildings. Knowledge and experience in the following fields will be relevant:
Building energy simulation, focusing on model buildings, equipment, HVAC and electrical systems
Design and operation of buildings and the built environment
Object-oriented programming, software development tools
Use of statistics and Artificial Intelligence in the built environment
Integration of Renewable Energy in the built environment
In your CV and motivation letter you should clearly indicate your experience and knowledge in the above mentioned fields and why you are interested and motivated to acquire expertise in the other fields.
Offer
The successful applicant will receive a one year position as scientific collaborator at the Civil Engineering Department of KU Leuven.
You will participate in exciting scientific projects on PENs. The research will be carried out at the EnergyVille research center in Genk and at the Building Physics Section from the KU Leuven.
EnergyVille is actively collaborating with industry which enables you to expand your professional network.
You can participate in training organized at University of Leuven, one of the top European Universities, providing an excellent research environment.
You will have access to state-of-the-art technologies, core facilities and technical support
You will gain experience in many transferal skills and receive personalized mentoring.
You will also have the opportunity to participate in local and international conferences and thus expend your scientific network
Full funding is available.
The position is available immediately.
Interested?
Successful candidates are encouraged to apply online.
The application file should contain a motivation letter, detailed CV, copies of latest degree and transcripts and the names and contact details of 2 referees.
For more information please contact Dirk Saelens, tel.: , mail:
You will become a scientific collaborator in Building Physics and Sustainable Design Section of the Department of Civil Engineering at KU Leuven. The Building Physics and Sustainable Design Section is active in Leuven, Genk and Ghent. The section's research targets heat and mass transfer in porous building materials, durability of (highly insulated) building components, and the energy use and indoor air quality in buildings and the built environment.
You can apply for this job no later than March 01, 2026 via the online application tool
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
Job application procedure
Working conditions
Career opportunities
Do you have a question about the online application system? Please consult our FAQ or email us at
Apply for this position