LCA of material and utility flows from forest to wood buildings in Canada

Project Description

About us - Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory on Sustainable Engineering and Ecodesign (LIRIDE):
Our research focus on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Industrial Ecology. We support the industry, governments, and organizations in their path towards a truly sustainable development supported by LCA. We offer a friendly and professional working environment.

Description:
This master project is part of the first major initiative of the Canadian Wood Construction Research Network (CWCRN) that promotes academic research on wood construction in Canada. This initiative aims to train over 50 HQP supervised by a team of experts consisting of 31 faculty members from 14 Canadian universities and another 20 scientists and professionals from 12 government and industry partners. LIRIDE's expertise will contribute to developing and clarifying knowledge relating to the life-cycle environmental benefits of wood construction.

The Canadian forest sector is so well integrated between industries that supply chains overlap. This poses challenges for LCA. To appropriately represent the impact of forest activities, the lifecycle inventory modelling must be based on consistent allocation factors. The aim of the project is to develop an economic equilibrium model for mass timber construction in North America. The results of this project will support efforts to integrate material flow and value chain analysis into the economic equilibrium model, to assess the consequences of the increased use of wood in construction.

Daily work: 
The work will be carried out within an interdisciplinary team of LIRIDE, in close collaboration with the various stakeholders in the initiative. The team will consist of one master, three PhDs and researchers. An integral part of your work is to publish your results in peer-reviewed journals and present them at international conferences.

Qualifications: 
Your qualifications should include a bachelor's degree in civil, building, mechanical, environmental engineering or similar studies with excellent grades. A strong interest in modelling and in programming (ex. Python) would be an important advantage. Your admission will be subject to the standard rules of the University of Sherbrooke (funding assured for the entire duration of the master project). The project will start as soon as possible or upon mutual agreement. You are expected to contribute to teaching and research activities of the laboratory up to a maximum of 20% of your working time.

Application:
We look forward to receiving your online application including 1) cover letter, 2) resume, 3) credentials and 4) contact information for two references. We will begin interviewing candidates as soon as a sufficient number of applications are received. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Further information:
Questions regarding the position should be directed to info@liride.info. Please also visit our website www.liride.info. For applications: info@liride.info

Funding offered

Yes

The last update was on 23 October 2025. The University reserves the right to modify its projects without notice.