KTP Associate in Building Physics Automation

University of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Edinburgh and Cosysense collaborate on a KTP Associate role focused on developing next-generation thermal comfort and energy-optimisation models for scalable deployment. The Associate will embed at Cosysense, bridging academic research and production-ready AI control systems for HVAC in live buildings.

The role is full-time (35 hours/week), fixed-term for 24 months, based primarily at Cosysense, with ongoing academic supervision from the University of Edinburgh.

Qualifications

• Hypotheses-based research in building physics and energy systems.
• Applied AI/modelling for real-world deployment.
• Cross-institutional collaboration between academia and industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and deployment of thermal comfort and grid-demand models into Cosysense AI control system.
• Bridge academic research with production-ready algorithms controlling HVAC in live buildings.
• Embed within Cosysense while coordinating with University of Edinburgh for knowledge transfer and supervision.

Job description

Grade UE07: £41,064 - £48,822 per annum, with an additional market pay supplement bringing the total salary to up to £55,000 per annum

CSE / School of Engineering / Cosysense

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-term: 24 months

Location: Primarily based at Cosysense

The Opportunity:

Where curiosity becomes impact.

This is a KTP Associate to contribute to the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project that aims to develop next-generation thermal comfort and energy optimisation models for scalable deployment. Funded by InnovateUK, the KTP project is co-led by the Institute for Infrastructure and Environment and Institute for Energy Systems at the University of Edinburgh(UoE), and Cosysense. Cosysense reduces electricity costs and carbon emissions in commercial buildings by delivering optimised comfort through AI-native climate control powered by sensors, digital twins, and autonomous control systems.

The KTP Associate will lead the development and deployment of advanced thermal comfort and grid demand response physics models into Cosysense’s AI control system. You will act as the bridge between academic research and real‑world application, translating cutting-edge building physics and human comfort modelling into production-ready algorithms controlling HVAC systems in live buildings. In line with the KTP model, the Associate is embedded at Cosysense day to day, engaging regularly with the University of Edinburgh for knowledge transfer and academic supervision.

This role will be primarily based at Cosysense.

The role combines:

• Research (building physics and energy systems)
• Applied AI / modelling
• Real-world deployment and validation in commercial buildings

A unique employer in a vibrant city.

A unique employer in a vibrant city.The University isn’t just any employer. We are part of a local community and a contributor to global thinking, progress and research. In Edinburgh, you are in one of the world’s most attractive cities with active arts and social sectors, while working in a University that has made significant contributions to society, medicine, physics and teaching for over four centuries. Our people have helped create the modern world and are working on more ground-breaking technologies and practices.

Make a meaningful impact.

Here, you can continue to make a difference in everything around you. Take on new challenges, grow your career, be recognised for your contributions, and benefit from our commitment to your wellbeing. Be part of something bigger - where your work has real impact and your development matters. There are so many reasons to take your next step with us.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

• A competitive salary.

• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.

• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.

• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits.

Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those from groups underrepresented in academia and STEM. Our team has significant experience in creating and delivering respectful, inclusive and supportive environments where all members can thrive and it is supported by the vision for our research, behaviours and norms.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our

right to work webpages.

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.

Please note if the role is offered on a part-time basis, it may result in sponsorship being dependent on a number offactors specific to the successful applicant or the role no longer meeting the Home Office’s criteria for sponsorship.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 23 October 2026.

Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59 pm (UK time). If you are applying from outside the UK, the closing time shown on our adverts will automatically adjust to your browser’s local time zone.