Research Assistant

12920BR

Welsh School of Architecture

Research

Advert

Research Assistant
Welsh School of Architecture

We are seeking a full-time Research Assistant to join the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University. The post is funded by European Commission Horizon 2020 PLUG-N-HARVEST project.

The successful applicant will work on the Horizon 2020 PLUG-N-HARVEST project. The post offers a unique opportunity to work in a major €6 million project and European wide consortium to develop and demonstrate a new affordable modular, multifunctional façade system that generates renewable energy and provides better insulation for existing buildings. The project comes with access to a wide pool of academic and industrial stakeholders as well as exciting research and development in this field. Additionally, the post holder will work with Dr Hu Du (Principle Investigator of Project) to develop research related to high performance buildings.

The successful applicant should be educated to degree level. A higher degree (MSc/MPhil/PhD) in construction management, architectural engineering, building services, architecture or similar discipline, with experience of undertaking building performance evaluation, dynamic thermal simulation and advanced knowledge of modular façade with integrated renewables or low carbon building retrofit would be desirable. The post holder will produce research outputs for academic, industrial and public audiences. Excellent technical reports written skill is essential.

The post holder will be based at the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University. Travelling for site survey and building performance evaluation around Cardiff are required.

Enquiries can be made to Dr Hu Du ([email protected]) or Catherine Parker (PA to Head of School) ([email protected])

The post is a full time position, available immediately, and fixed term to 30th May 2022.

Salary:  £27,924 - £32,344 per annum (Grade 5).

Date advert posted: Wednesday, 24 November 2021

Closing date: Wednesday, 8 December 2021

This post has previously been advertised to employees of Cardiff University only.  We now invite external applications.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

“Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/research/our-research-environment/integrity-and-ethics/responsible-research-assessment”

Job Description

Main function: To contribute to research and delivery of Horizon 2020 PLUG-N-HARVEST project, carrying out supporting work that helps lead to the publishing of research in high-quality journals. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities
Research 

•    To undertake experiment relevant to renewable modular façade retrofit demonstration.

•    To undertake preparation activities related to small façade retrofit, and coordinate contractor, supplier and building owner.

•    Actively participate within the research group, communicating and presenting research at meetings, through publications and other recognised avenues as appropriate, ensuring information is communicated to internal and external partners

•    To contribute and support research funding bids as required

•    To contribute to research publications and presentations as required

•    To analyse and communicate complex ideas, concepts and data using appropriate methods and packages 

•    To resolve issues and support senior colleagues in devising procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting

•    To generate research output and contribute to the development of independent  and original ideas

•    To provide support in research activities for undergraduate courses and research programmes and provide guidance to junior members of staff within the research team

•    To maintain and update area of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature within the area.

Other
•    To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
•    To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
•    To ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties
•    To abide by the University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity
•    Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education
1.    A degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2.    Knowledge of research methods and techniques within specialist field

3.    Proven ability to analyse complex information and summaries appropriately

4.    Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies

Communication and Team Working
5.    Proven communication skills, including presentation to various audiences

6.    Excellent organisational and team-working skills

Other
7.    Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamworking within work

Desirable Criteria

1.    PhD in the following fields:

•  low carbon building retrofit
• dynamic building performance modelling
• modular façade with integrated renewables
• monitoring and post-occupancy evaluation of buildings

2.    Relevant professional qualification(s). 

3.    Evidence of collaborations with industry.

4.    Proven ability to work without close supervision

5.     Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.

Additional Information

Additional Information

The post is funded by European Commission Horizon 2020 PLUG-N-HARVEST project.  The post offers a unique opportunity to work in a major €6 million project and European wide consortium to develop and demonstrate a new affordable modular, multifunctional façade system that generate renewable energy and provide better insulation for existing buildings. The project comes with access to a wide pool of academic and industrial stakeholders as well as exciting research and development in this field.

The Welsh School of Architecture

The Welsh School of Architecture (WSA) is consistently ranked amongst the top schools of architecture in published UK and Worldwide league tables and has been ranked within the top 50 of Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World Rankings for the past 4 consecutive years.

The WSA also had 90% of its research impact judged as outstanding (4*) in the 2014 REF (Research Excellence Framework). This placed us at the top of the table for impact in the assessment panel for Architecture, Built Environment and Planning.

Our research underpins the BSc and MArch degree programmes as well as the specialisms we teach through advanced Masters programmes that cater to graduates across the broad spectrum of built environment professions. We set high standards for our students and expect great things from them, this is why we stand by the quality of our graduates and are proud of what they achieve.

The distinctiveness of this School lies in its tradition of combining creativity with the understanding needed to realise designs through practice, its reputation for high quality research, the calibre of its staff and in its unique location in a friendly, liveable and affordable capital city that is a gateway to the stunning landscape of Wales.

Important note: It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement.  Please ensure that the evidence you are providing corresponds with the numbered criteria outlined below. Your application will be considered based on the information you provide under each element.

When attaching the supporting statement to your application profile, please ensure that you name it with the vacancy reference number, e.g. Supporting Statement for 12920BR.

Job Category

Academic - Research