Development of a methodology for the co-design of construction materials and techniques for increased resilience and adaptation to climate change

The main goal of this project is to devise strategies for the co-development of a master plan (blueprint) for climate adaptation of the built environment in a community of the Global South, employing a holistic approach that spans multiple sectors and engages both intra- and inter-community stakeholders.

The Master candidate’s goal is to devise and implement participatory tools to promote the co-design of technological solutions for the climate adaptation of the built environment in the community that will serve as case study. These include, but are not limited to, nature-based construction techniques, locally reclaimed materials, modular construction, and energy efficiency improvements. The candidate will work in close collaboration with a PhD candidate involved in the project. This work will be carried out under the direction of Diego Ramirez Cardona and Claudiane Ouellet-Plamondon of École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) and Harlem Acevedo Agudelo of Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano (ITM) Medellin, Colombia.

The Master candidate in engineering will have two specific goals:

1. Develop knowledge mobilization tools that allow effectively transmitting the technological solutions within the case study community.
2. Contribute to the proposal and implementation of a roadmap to adapt the technological solutions to the local context of the case study, guided by the outcomes of the participatory actions with the community.

Profile sought (required skills)

• Experience in materials science (mechanical characterization, durability), related to one or more of the technologies to be considered during the co-design processes (These include, but are not limited to, nature-based construction techniques, locally reclaimed materials, modular construction, and energy efficiency improvements);

• Autonomous and proactive profile;

• Degree in engineering or another field related to the sciences would be ideal;

• Ability to lead cultural immersion experiences;

• Ability to write reports, scientific publications, and regular updates;

• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English (required) and French (preferred); Proficiency in Spanish is an asset;

• Interest in interdisciplinary work, experience in this is an asset;

• Capacity to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team;

• Interest in climate and societal issues related to construction, particularly in construction materials.

Starting date

• For local students, it will be September 2024; for international students, it will be between September and December 2024, according to administrative procedures.

Instructions to apply

The applications will be handled continuously and in a confidential manner.

The interested parties must send the specified documents in the manner described below:

• a one-page research proposal;
• a curriculum vitae with a list of publications;
• and a letter of motivation.

The documents must be addressed by email to by July 30, 2024. The subject of the e-mail must be: MSc-Co Design for Climate Change Adaptation_LAST NAME.

Please address the candidacy to diego.ramirez-cardona@etsmtl.ca & Claudiane.Ouellet-Plamondon@etsmtl.ca

Partners of the project

• École de technologie supérieure - ÉTS (Canada), Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano - ITM (Colombia) and other international partners

Equity, diversity and inclusion

• In terms of hiring, ÉTS adheres to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Career interruptions and slowdowns, as well as the potential for accommodations in the selection process in the event of a disability, will be taken into consideration when evaluating candidates.

Concerns over immigration

• We urge all qualified individuals to submit an application in accordance with the requirements set forth in relation to immigration to Canada. However, priority will be given to those who are Canadian citizens as well as long-term residents. It is crucial that you let us know in your application if you have the ability to work in Canada so that we can prepare the appropriate immigration process.