Role(s) Needed
Graduate
Position Title
Doctoral student in Architectural Engineering with a specialization on architectural illumination
Position Description
The Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction (DSAEC) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln seeks a highly motivated doctoral student in the discipline of architectural engineering—with a focus on architectural illumination—to begin study in Fall 2026.
The ideal candidate will:
- Have an M.S. degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
- Have a strong background in architectural engineering, architectural lighting, and/or illumination engineering.
- Have experience with computer programming, psychophysical research methods, and experimental design.
- Be independent thinkers, organized, and committed to high-impact research.
- Be highly motivated, curious, creative, and capable of working both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
- Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- After graduation, will pursue a career in architectural lighting design, illumination engineering, or a similar field.
What will you work on?
The topic of study will be determined in collaboration between you and your advisor (Dr. Tony Esposito) and is subject to change based on the availability of funding. Topics may include:
- The impact of light on human health and well-being, with a focus on metrology and design and implementation strategies to enhance positive impacts and reduce negative impacts.
- The impact of light and light pollution on flora and fauna, with a focus on metrology and design and implementation strategies to reduce negative impacts.
- The impact of light on subjective human impressions—such as color rendition, glare, flicker, etc.—with a focus on metrology, enhancing building standards, and supporting design practice. Emphasis is placed on psychophysical experimentation.
- Exterior light at night, including the study of roadway lighting to reduce collisions; metrology on the relative contribution of lighting types on sky glow; the influence of lighting on perceptions of safety; and the influence of lighting on crime reduction. Emphasis is placed on city-scale lighting measurement, analysis, and solutions.
What is your start date?
Fall 2026
Where is this position located?
Omaha, Nebraska
Where will you work?
The Peter Kiewit Institute, Omaha, NE
How do you apply?
Graduate admissions instructions can be found here:
More information about the architectural engineering program-specific requirements can be found here
Architectural Engineering (PHD)
What is the deadline to apply?
March 30, 2026
About this positions’ advisor
This position will be supervised by Dr. Tony Esposito.
How to apply?
Email CV to tesposito2@unl.edu
