Research Associate

University of Bath; Bath; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

EV salary sacrifice

Job summary

University of Bath is seeking a specialist in building energy analysis to develop thermal models and run parametric studies that drive energy reduction. You will calibrate models against existing buildings and provide clear, data-driven recommendations.

A PhD or equivalent experience is required, with excellent communication to present findings to academic and industry audiences. The role offers a full-time, 12-month fixed-term contract in Bath with a strong emphasis on research excellence and

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of building energy analysis.
• Experience using EnergyPlus/Autodesk Insight/IES for parametric studies.
• Ability to automate workflows with scripting.

Responsibilities

• Build a thermal model in EnergyPlus or similar tools.
• Calibrate the model against the building's current state.
• Conduct sensitivity studies to identify major energy drivers.
• Propose and evaluate energy-saving solutions using the model.

Skills

Energy analysis

Energy modelling tools

Parametric workflow

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Architecture & Civil Engineering

Tools

EnergyPlus

Autodesk Insight

IES Virtual Environment

Job description

Department Architecture & Civil Engineering

Salary Starting from £38,784, rising to £46,049

This role is for someone with proven expertise in whole-building energy analysis, particularly thermal modelling. It will involve :

• building a thermal model in EnergyPlus, Autodesk Insight or IES (Virtual Environment), or similar.
• calibrating the model against the building’s current state
• performing sensitivity studies to understand the major drivers of energy use
• devise creative solutions for energy sue reduction, and evaluate their potential using the model

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.

A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of meeting the Grade 7 requirements, and will be promoted to Research Associate once they have met them.

About you

• The ideal candidate will have expert knowledge of building energy analysis, and experience of using software such as EnergyPlus, Autodesk Insight or IES to carry out parametric studies to understand a building's energy use. Ideally they would have a demonstrated ability to automate their workflow using a parametric / scripting environment.
• The ideal candidate will have very strong communication skills, able to write technical reports and academic papers in high quality English, as well as being able to present their work in person to both academic and industry audiences.
• They will be comfortable working as part of the wider project team, sometimes pitching in to help others achieve a project deadline, as well as able to work independently and creatively, take decisions, and attempting to resolve issues themselves before asking for help.
• The ideal candidate will also need to work within professional and ethical codes of conduct, and be committed to excellence and integrity in research and to safe working practices.
• You should have a PhD in Architecture & Civil Engineering or extensive industry experience using the modelling tools on real-world projects.

Further information

This role is offered on a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed term basis with an expected duration of 12 months.

For informal discussions about the role please contact Paul Shepherd at [e-mail] .

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff benefits include discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more
• Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app

We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including:

• Staff support groups and networks
• A network of Staff Wellbeing Champions
• A suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive

Right to Work in the UK:We do not assess immigration or right to work status until offer stage. Being invited to interview does not guarantee you are eligible for visa sponsorship and all offers are conditional on meeting right to work requirements. Further information is available on our application support webpage.

Anonymous shortlisting:We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details such as your name, may be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.