At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a multidisciplinary team to research sustainable building practices and analyse material intensities.
- Company: University of Sheffield, a leader in innovative research and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid work arrangement with excellent career growth and learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable construction and contribute to a greener future.
- Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in built environment and experience with material assessments.
The predicted salary is between 32080 - 36636 £ per year.
The BuildZero project, a £6 million initiative funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, seeks to develop a detailed vision of sustainable building practices. The research will explore methods for constructing without extracting new resources, eliminating waste, and reducing carbon emissions from material extraction and production. As part of a multidisciplinary team across top UK universities and industry partners, you will contribute to the creation of scalable, circular economy solutions for the built environment.
Responsibilities
- Quantify typical ranges for material intensity, embodied carbon, and reuse potential of building products and construction specifications, with a focus on skin, services and fit‑out layers.
- Analyse existing building drawings to estimate material intensities.
- Scale building‑level material quantities, embodied carbon and reuse potentials to neighborhood, city and national levels (python coding experience will be beneficial).
- Visualise results using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other tools to communicate findings to stakeholders.
- Prepare research papers for journal publication and conference presentations.
- Plan a research schedule to meet personal milestones within the project.
- Collaborate closely with other BuildZero team members and engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public stakeholders.
- Present progress reports at team meetings and events.
- Undertake appropriate personal and professional development and other tasks associated with the research project.
Qualifications
- Undertaking or completed an undergraduate degree in a built‑environment discipline (civil/structural engineering, architecture, architectural engineering or adjacent field).
- Experience conducting material inventories and embodied/whole‑life carbon assessments of the built environment.
- Ability to interpret building plans, sections and elevations.
- Organisational and planning skills to manage resources and progress work activities.
- Effective written and oral communication skills.
- Proficient use of Microsoft Excel.
- Experience with Python or other coding languages (essential).
- Experience using GIS for data analysis and visualisation (desirable).
Benefits and Working Arrangements
- Competitive annual leave entitlement with the option to purchase additional days.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid arrangements.
- Commitment to professional development and access to learning and mentoring schemes.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Sheffield is a Disability Confident Leader. Applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria will be invited to the next stage of the selection process. A criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment.
Research Assistant: Hierarchical Material Intensities at University of Sheffield employer: University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the field of sustainable building practices. With competitive benefits such as flexible working arrangements, a generous pension scheme, and a strong commitment to professional development, employees are empowered to grow and thrive in their careers while contributing to meaningful research projects like BuildZero. Located in the vibrant city of Sheffield, the university provides a supportive environment for multidisciplinary teamwork, making it an ideal place for those passionate about creating scalable, circular economy solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant: Hierarchical Material Intensities at University of Sheffield
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant: Hierarchical Material Intensities at University of Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at University of Sheffield!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to University of Sheffield. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Sheffield
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
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Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at University of Sheffield.
