"Research Fellow (ZEBAI) - School of Engineering - 104322 - Grade 7"

Position Details

School of Engineering

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £34,980 to £44,263 with potential progression once in post to £46,974

Grade: 7

Full Time (Part Time will also be considered)

Fixed Term contract up to July 2026 

Closing date: 1st September 2024

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme and/or specific research project.

Role Summary

We are recruiting a Research Fellow for the ZEBAI project to conduct the research on simulation, and data-analysis to develop an AI-assisted approach for designing zero-emission building. Specifically, we are looking for a motivated researcher with leadership skills to steer the activities on data collection for specific case-studies and understand the impact of building designs on energy consumption, carbon emissions, life cycle analysis and the 2025 net-zero carbon target. More information about our HORIZON ZEBAI project can be found here: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101138678.

The candidate will:

• Work within specified research grants, and specifically the ZEBAI project (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101138678) and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results 
• Contribute to generating funding 
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Collect and process research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews from e.g., experiments on building materials, building physics, structural planning*
• Analyse and interpret data 
• Develop life cycle models and simulation tools of buildings and perform Life Cycle Assessment and Costing (LCA/LCC)
• Undertake management roles and prepare deliverables for the ZEBAI project
• Participate in project meetings
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters*
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods 
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research*
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines*
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

* These indicative responsibilities may also be included in a research role at grade 6.

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications. Degree in one of the following fields is recommended: architecture, building engineering, civil engineering and/or environmental engineering, digital twin architecture, BIM for building physics
• Hold a PhD or is near completion with a focus on one of the following topics: environmental sustainability management, sustainability in construction, industrial ecology or similar. Candidates that have a background in civil engineering and/or architecture will also be considered
• Expertise in assessment of environmental impacts, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) technique, LCA databases and tools 
• Demonstrable experience in delivering products for LCA
• Knowledge of digital tools (e.g. AI, digital twins) and digital planning (e.g. BIM)
• Experience in reporting and disseminating environmental impacts accounting
• Able to work independently but also working in research project meetings with colleagues 
• Availability to travel for project meetings and/or secondments
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Stergios Mitoulis, email: s.a.mitoulis@bham.ac.uk 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.