At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the BuildZero project to model circular economy strategies for UK buildings.
- Company: University of Bath, part of a multi-institutional research effort.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, discounts on courses, and well-being support.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability in the built environment.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and strong modelling skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for a researcher to join the BuildZero project, a multi‑institution effort to explore circular economy strategies for the UK building stock. The role involves developing and analysing models of current and future building stocks, assessing the impact of strategies such as retrofit, adaptive reuse, component reuse, and material recycling, and contributing to the translation of these findings into policy and practice.
About the Role
Your focus will be on understanding the impact of circular economy strategies at regional/national scale in the UK. The work will involve:
- Developing models of the current UK building stock and its evolution through construction, demolition, and refurbishment activities.
- Assessing the effects of circular economy interventions such as retrofit, extension, adaptive reuse, component reuse, and material recycling on resource flows, waste, emissions, and energy use.
- Evaluating uncertainties in scale‑up modelling and their influence on the robustness of outcomes.
- Collaborating with a multidisciplinary BuildZero team and external academic and industrial partners, and contributing to project outputs and events.
The position is based at the University of Bath and offers a full‑time commitment (36.5 hours per week) for 30 months, starting in June 2026. Part‑time work may be possible on request.
About You
Completed a PhD in a relevant discipline. Strong modelling skills – able to represent building stocks and circular economy strategies and their impacts on resource, waste, energy, and emissions flows. Familiarity with circular economy concepts and the built environment, or a proven ability to learn interdisciplinary topics. Interest in uncertainty assessment and robustness of large‑scale modelling results. Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills, capable of working independently and within a broad interdisciplinary team. Excellent oral, interpersonal, and written communication skills. Ability to engage with academic and industrial partners and participate in consortium events.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants should be within six months of completing their PhD and will be promoted to Research Associate once the PhD is awarded. Experience with lifecycle assessment, material and carbon accounting, and systems modelling is highly desirable. Prior collaboration on cross‑institution research projects is an advantage.
Benefits
- Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including the Wisdom app.
- Generous annual leave plus five discretionary days.
- Employer contributory pension scheme.
- Cycle‑to‑work and electric vehicle salary‑sacrifice schemes.
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym and local museums.
- Discounts on postgraduate tuition, language courses, and professional development (e.g., LinkedIn Learning).
- Family‑friendly workplace and relocation allowance.
- Visa reimbursement and interest‑free loan for immigration expenses.
Well‑being and Diversity
Staff support groups and wellbeing champions. Resources and frameworks to support personal and professional wellbeing. Diversity and inclusion initiatives, including a Silver Athena SWAN award, a commitment to gender equity, and support for disabled staff through the Disability Confident Leader programme. Armed Forces Covenant signatory and commitment to a safe and secure environment.
Equal Opportunities
Application shortlisting is anonymised to reduce unconscious bias. All qualifications, skills and experience are considered essential regardless of gender, background, or community. Interviews are scheduled for 18 and 19 June.
Right to Work
Eligibility for right to work in the UK is assessed at offer stage. All offers are conditional on meeting right‑to‑work requirements.
Research Associate in National-scale modelling of Circular Economy Strategies for UK buildings in Bath employer: Bath Open Instrumentation Group
The University of Bath is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the BuildZero project. Employees benefit from generous annual leave, a supportive environment for personal and professional growth, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, making it an ideal place for researchers passionate about circular economy strategies in the UK building sector.
Contact Details:
Bath Open Instrumentation Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in National-scale modelling of Circular Economy Strategies for UK buildings in Bath
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in National-scale modelling of Circular Economy Strategies for UK buildings in Bath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Bath Open Instrumentation Group. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Bath Open Instrumentation Group
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
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