At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a groundbreaking project designing net zero modular enclosures for Antarctica.
- Company: British Antarctic Survey, a leader in environmental research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship, and potential for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to work on innovative solutions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability in one of Earth's most extreme environments.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or related field; experience in energy modelling preferred.
The predicted salary is between 46444 - 51088 £ per year.
- British Antarctic Survey
- Contract type 1 year fixed-term appointment
- Location Cambridge
- Closing date 14th August 2026
- Interview date TBC
Background/Overview
Purpose
Join a unique and impactful project to help design cutting-edge, net zero modular field science and accommodation enclosures for use in Antarctica.
This is an exceptional opportunity for someone looking to apply and develop their skills in modelling and simulation as well as gain experience in the practical application of engineering to develop the enclosures.
Your work will contribute directly to the decarbonisation of remote field operations in one of the most extreme environments on Earth.
What We Offer
- Work on a groundbreaking net zero project for one of the most remote research environments on Earth.
- Mentorship and collaboration with experienced professionals in engineering, sustainability, and science logistics.
- A chance to make a real impact in helping reduce carbon emissions in scientific field operations.
- Fixed-term contract for one year with potential for professional development and future opportunities.
Duties
- Deliver modelling and simulation of net zero energy scenarios for modular structures in the Antarctic field.
- Use tools such as IES (Integrated Environmental Solutions) or other recognised building/environmental simulation software to assess and optimise energy performance.
- Collaborate closely with engineering, net zero, and science teams to gather multidisciplinary requirements for field enclosures.
- Explore passive and active strategies to reduce energy demand, increase efficiency, and improve comfort for field personnel.
- Contribute to design iterations of standalone field enclosures by testing different materials, HVAC approaches, insulation systems, and renewables integration.
- Help produce technical reports, simulations, and visual outputs to support design decisions and stakeholder engagement.
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- Experience in energy modelling, building simulation, and/or environmental systems design.
Working knowledge of IESVE software preferred, or other relevant platforms (e. g.
Energy Plus, Design Builder, Rhino/Grasshopper, TRNSYS).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to technical detail.
- Enthusiastic about net zero design and sustainability, especially in challenging, remote environments.
- Good communication and teamwork abilities.
- Degree (BSc/MSc) in engineering, environmental design, building physics, or a related discipline, or demonstrable equivalent level of experience.
- Demonstrated strong numerical and analytical ability, with the capacity to apply building physics theory to develop, implement and evaluate models and simulations.
- Proven experience of analysing quantitative data, including validating model outputs, assessing uncertainty and interpreting results.
- Ability to interpret numerical results critically and communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong IT and computing skills, with the ability to use specialist software and digital tools relevant to modelling and simulation.
- Ability to make sound, evidence-based decisions, drawing on data analysis, modelling outputs and professional judgement.
- Proficient in written and spoken English.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of multidisciplinary teams, contributing constructively and respecting different perspectives and areas of expertise.
- Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly, adapting style and level of detail to suit different audiences.
Desirable
- Experience working on or studying low-energy building design, modular construction, cold climate environments.
- Practical experience working on scientific instrumentation and/or electrical/electronic systems.
- Interest in science support infrastructure and real-world application of sustainable design principles.
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role.
UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Modelling and Simulation Engineer in Cambridge employer: UKRI International
UKRI - UK Research and Innovation is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration and safety. Located at the prestigious Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Harwell, Oxfordshire, employees benefit from a generous leave policy, a solid pension scheme, and flexible working hours, all while contributing to meaningful research and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Modelling and Simulation Engineer in Cambridge
✨Get Hands-On with Temporary Projects
Temporary roles are all about flexibility and quick results. Look for short-term engineering projects or gigs that local companies might need help with. You can find these on job boards like Indeed or even niche platforms like PeoplePerHour. Don't be shy to reach out directly to firms—sometimes they have needs that aren't posted yet!
✨Tap into Engineering Meetups
Networking is key in engineering, especially for temporary positions. Check out local engineering meetups or hackathons relevant to your interests. Engaging with peers can lead to leads on temporary roles. Plus, it’s a sweet way to showcase your skills and passion in person—who knows who might be hiring at one of these events?
✨Leverage Your Connections
Let your friends and family know you're on the hunt for a temporary engineering role. Often, personal recommendations can get you in the door faster than any application. Share your goals and what you’re looking for through social media or casual conversations; you’d be surprised how many people might have the right connections!
✨Stay Sharp with Online Courses
While you're searching, keep those skills fresh! Take on some online courses related to your engineering field. Platforms like Coursera or edX can help you stay current and even get some certifications under your belt. This shows potential employers at UKRI International that you’re committed to growth, making you a more appealing candidate for temporary roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Modelling and Simulation Engineer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Versatile Engineering Skills:For a temporary engineering role like this one at UKRI International, make sure to showcase a broad range of your engineering skills. Talk about different projects you’ve undertaken, focusing on your problem-solving ability and adaptability—key traits for temporary positions that depend on quick integration into teams.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this is a temporary role, clarity is essential. In your cover letter, be upfront about your availability and how soon you can start. Employers like UKRI International want to know that you can hit the ground running, so don’t shy away from mentioning your flexibility!
Tailor Your CV to Showcase Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV is tailored to reflect the specific engineering projects relevant to the job. For instance, if you’ve worked on temporary contracts before or have engaged in diverse engineering processes, highlight these experiences to show how well-rounded you are.
Include References from Past Employers:Temporary positions often require trust and reliability. Adding references from previous employers can significantly boost your application. It shows that you have a strong work ethic and can adapt quickly, which is exactly what UKRI International will be looking for.
How to prepare for a job interview at UKRI International
✨Get to Grips with Your Technical Skills
Engineering roles often involve assessing your technical expertise, so be prepared to delve into your core skills. Brush up on relevant software and tools you’ve used before, as well as any engineering principles that relate to the position at UKRI International. We want you to showcase your hands-on experience and problem-solving capabilities – it could be the difference between you and another candidate!
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to tackle some practical scenarios during the interview. Whether it's a design challenge or a troubleshooting test, UKRI International might want to see how you approach real-world engineering problems. Think of specific examples from your past work where you had to think on your feet and be ready to walk your interviewers through your thought process.
✨Show Your Adaptability in Temporary Roles
Since this is a temporary position, it’s key to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to hit the ground running. Make sure to convey your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly to the team and the specific projects at UKRI International. We all know that temporary roles can be a bit of a whirlwind, so emphasise your quick learning skills and your approach to managing change.
✨Highlight Relevant Portfolio Projects
If you've worked on engineering projects that align with the role at UKRI International, make sure to bring them up! A portfolio can be a great way to illustrate your engineering prowess. Discuss the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the results achieved – this will give the interviewers a tangible idea of what you bring to the table.