Postdoc in Building Stock Modelling

International Society for Industrial Ecology; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A research organization in Cambridge seeks candidates for a full-time position focusing on the development of modelling tools aimed at the UK's building sector. Candidates will work towards achieving climate change mitigation and material circularity while engaging with academic and industrial partners. A PhD in Engineering or a relevant field is required, with opportunities for participation in high-level research activities over two years, potentially extendable as part of the BuildZero project.

Qualifications

• PhD or nearing completion in a relevant field.
• Motivated to impact climate change mitigation.
• Experience with modelling tools beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Develop new modelling tools for UK building stock.
• Identify pathways for material circularity.
• Prioritise interventions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Collaborate with industrial and academic partners.

Skills

Modelling and analytical skills

Experience with tools of Industrial Ecology

Ability to work in interdisciplinary environments

Education

PhD in Engineering or a relevant technical field

Job description

Overview

BuildZero is a five-year project funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (UK) and will undertake transformative research on the UK’s building sector, aiming to work towards zero material extraction, zero carbon, and zero waste. The UK has one of the oldest and least efficient building stocks. Yet, little is known about the existing building stock and what interventions will be required to provide our future building needs while meeting our climate targets.

Responsibilities

• The successful candidate(s) will develop new modelling tools and approaches to characterise the existing building stock in the UK. This should combine a physical characterisation of buildings, including material composition, with their patterns of use and energy performance.
• These modelling approaches should enable the identification of pathways for material circularity and climate change mitigation for UK buildings.
• By the end of the project, identify and prioritise key interventions in the UK building sector and its supply chain that lead to a faster reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and material demand.
• Collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary environments, and with both industrial and academic partners.

Qualifications

• PhD (or close to obtain) in Engineering or other relevant technical field.
• Motivated to contribute to the impact of the BuildZero research output on climate change mitigation and material circularity.
• Modelling and analytical skills; experience with tools of Industrial Ecology will be beneficial.
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary environments, and with both industrial and academic partners.

Position details

The successful candidate(s) will be working directly with Dr André Cabrera Serrenho and Prof Jonathan Cullen, and will be based in the Department of Engineering of the University of Cambridge. They will participate fully in BuildZero activities and collaborate with researchers at the Universities of Sheffield, Bath, Cardiff, and Manchester.

Contract and selection

This post is full-time and is being offered for two years in the first instance, but with a possibility of extension until the end of the five-year BuildZero project. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, which is expected to take place in September 2024. Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.