At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to assess the environmental impact of circular economy strategies for UK buildings.
- Company: University of Bath, renowned for its commitment to diversity and innovation.
- Benefits: Generous salary, professional development, hybrid working, and wellness support.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive, inclusive environment await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in sustainable building practices while collaborating with experts.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field, expertise in life cycle assessment, and programming skills.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 46049 £ per year.
We are looking for a researcher to join our team to work on an exciting multi-institution project on circular economy for buildings: BuildZero. BuildZero aims to understand if the UK's needs from its building stock can be met with zero new raw material extraction, zero emissions and zero waste. Our research will show to what extent this vision is achievable and desirable, and provide a platform for translating circular economy approaches into practice and policy at scale.
Within this wider project, your focus will be on understanding the environmental footprint of circular economy strategies into the future. To do this, you will conduct prospective life cycle assessment of BuildZero strategies. This is essential to ensure that selected strategies really do move us towards zero carbon and zero waste construction when the whole life cycle is considered. To conduct your work you will be an integral member of the large, multidisciplinary BuildZero project team, and you will also contribute to wider project tasks, events, and outputs.
A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course (PhD) completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.
Our ideal candidates will have:
- Completed a PhD in a relevant discipline.
- Expertise in life cycle assessment.
- Experience using Brightway 2 and/or openLCA, or other relevant experience in programming (particularly Python).
- Familiarity with issues of circular economy and the built environment, though this could be substituted by a strong ability for interdisciplinary collaboration and a willingness to learn.
Apart from excellent technical skills, you will need:
- The ability to organise and prioritise your own workload, and to work in a broad interdisciplinary team, both within Bath and across the wider project.
- Excellent oral, interpersonal and written communication skills.
- Interaction with academic and industrial partners of BuildZero, and participation in consortium events, will be expected.
This role is a full time position, initially offered for 2 years and available from July 2026. Part time working may be possible and if interested in applying on this basis you should make this clear on your application form.
Interviews are to be held on 18 and 19 June.
We offer a hybrid working arrangement, combining the benefits of remote working with regular on-campus collaboration. You will be required to work on campus 2–3 days per week.
As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university.
We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.
What we can offer you:
- Free counselling services through Health Assured
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
- Staff discount on language courses
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
- A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
- Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- Local discounts and more
- A family-friendly workplace
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
- Relocation allowance
- Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
Closing Date: 01 Jun 2026
Department: Education & Research
Salary: £38,784 to £46,049
Research Associate in Prospective Life Cycle Assessment of UK Buildings (SS13588) - Bath, BA2 7AY employer: What Jobs
The University of Bath is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates diversity and fosters professional growth. With a commitment to employee well-being, we provide generous benefits including flexible working arrangements, extensive professional development opportunities, and a supportive environment for interdisciplinary collaboration. Located in the picturesque city of Bath, our institution not only prioritises academic excellence but also values the contributions of every staff member, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Prospective Life Cycle Assessment of UK Buildings (SS13588) - Bath, BA2 7AY
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those involved in circular economy and life cycle assessment. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the BuildZero project and its goals. Understand how your skills in life cycle assessment and programming can contribute to their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working in a multidisciplinary team, being able to explain complex ideas clearly is key. Try explaining your research to friends or family to get comfortable with it.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on the closing date and prepare your materials well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Prospective Life Cycle Assessment of UK Buildings (SS13588) - Bath, BA2 7AY
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. We want to see how you can contribute to the BuildZero project, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise in life cycle assessment!
Be Clear and Concise:When answering the shortlisting questions, keep your responses clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured answers that get straight to the heart of the matter, so avoid fluff and focus on what really matters.
Show Your Passion for Circular Economy:Let your enthusiasm for circular economy strategies shine through in your application. We’re looking for candidates who are not just qualified but also genuinely excited about making a difference in the built environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures that your application is seen by the right people during the shortlisting process.
How to prepare for a job interview at What Jobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your life cycle assessment knowledge and be ready to discuss how it applies to the circular economy in buildings. Familiarise yourself with Brightway 2 and/or openLCA, as they might ask you about your experience with these tools.
✨Show Your Passion for Sustainability
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the circular economy and sustainability during the interview. Share any relevant projects or research you've done that align with BuildZero's goals, and express your eagerness to contribute to zero carbon and zero waste construction.
✨Prepare for Teamwork Questions
Since this role involves working in a multidisciplinary team, be ready to discuss your experience collaborating with others. Think of examples where you successfully worked with diverse groups and how you managed different perspectives to achieve a common goal.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key for this position. Prepare to articulate your ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. You might even want to practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to interact with academic and industrial partners.
