Build Digital Project - PhD Scholarship Digital Transformation within the Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) Sector in Ireland

Outline

The MTU School of Building & Civil Engineering, Sustainable Infrastructure Research & Innovation Group (SIRIG), MTU Cork Campus, is pleased to offer a PhD scholarship for research in the area of digital construction. The scholarship is set within the Build Digital Project which is collaborative large-scale project (2022-2026) aiming to transform the Irish construction and built environment sectors by enabling all stakeholders to develop, maintain, and continuously improve their capabilities through digital adoption to support delivery of Project Ireland 2040. The project will provide leadership and coordination, particularly for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), suppliers, and clients, to improve efficiency, productivity, and international competitiveness on a sustainable basis in Ireland. The project is funded through the Department of Public Enterprise & Reform (DPER) and the project includes partners across the Higher Education Sector in Ireland and CiTA (the Construction Industry Technology Alliance). The Build Digital Project consortium includes Munster Technological University (MTU), Technological University Dublin, Atlantic Technological University, University College Dublin, South East Technological University, with the Construction IT Alliance (CitA). Further details of the project are available at www.builddigital.ie

The PhD scholarship will be transformation within the industry including through leadership and education and training (Pillars 1 and 3 respectively of the Build Digital Project). The role of these pillars within the project is to facilitate the change required to realise digital transformation across the construction industry sector. This pillar will enable parallel positive impacts for organisations across productivity, energy performance, sustainability, decarbonisation, the circular economy, procurement, standards adoption, and BIM adoption.

An outline of the work which the successful candidate will undertake as part of his/her/their research PhD thesis as part of the Build Digital Project includes:

1. State of the art literature review – Key words: Digital Transformation; Digital construction capability/capacity within a national and international context; Education & Training.

2. Wide ranging interaction with industry stakeholders (e.g. Contractors, Private Consultants and Built Environment/Construction Service Providers, Government Agencies, Digital Providers etc.) nationally and internationally to inform development of strategies and tools to support digital transformation.

3. Development of strategies and plans to support digital transformation and industry stakeholders within the construction sector. This work will be informed by precedent and practice set within other industry contexts, e.g. manufacturing (automation) etc.

4. Production of project reports as required.

This research position, which is currently available, offers candidates an opportunity to work within a large Irish research and industry-focused consortium and as part of a multidisciplinary research environment within MTU. The PhD candidate will have opportunity for national and international travel to conferences and for project collaboration. The PhD candidate will be required to play a key role in the planning and execution of industry-based workshops aimed at understanding and responding to industry perspectives. The PhD candidate will also work closely with colleagues in MTU in the Sustainable Infrastructure Research & Innovation Group within the School of Building & Civil Engineering.

What is funded

The successful candidate will receive a stipend of €18,500 per annum for a maximum of four years (and prior to the end of 2026) and an annual contribution of €6,000 towards tuition fees.

Duration

4 Years

Eligibility

Applicants should hold a Bachelor degree (minimum final grade 2.1 or equivalent) or a Master Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Computer Science, Business or a similar cognate discipline. Fluency in English and excellent written and oral presentation skills are required.

Written applications, in English, should include:

1. a concise C.V.,

2. a one-page letter of motivation describing why you are interested in this position,

3. an English language test certificate, if applicable, and

4. contact details for three references.

Along with the application, please include a copy of relevant qualifications such as official university transcripts.

Please email applications to:

Dr. Joe Harrington (joe.harrington@mtu.ie)

By 16.00CET /17.00GMT on 14th October 2022.

Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview later in October, 2022.