Research Associate - School of the Built Environment and Architecture

Purposes of the post

Working as part of the Centre for Civil and Building Services Engineering (CCiBSE), to carry out internationally

excellent research within the Innovate UK (IUK) project in the area of designing novel hydrogen storage and energy systems.

The Research Associate will be responsible for the detailed design of the test facilities required by the

project; calibration and installation of instrumentation and data logging systems; experimental investigation, and the development of system thermodynamic models.

The post holder will be expected to publish and disseminate their work through written reports, leading international refereed journal papers, and oral presentations at national and international conferences and events. They will be expected to work closely with their line manager and others in the project team to deliver on targets for the project.

Main activities and responsibilities

1. To gather quotes for equipment and consumables required for delivery of projects.


2. To carry out data processing and modelling activities.


3. To implement product prototyping and testing.


4. To conduct literature reviews.


5. To build product, process and service prototyping in a range of low carbon areas (Engineering, energy and the Built Environment).


6. To conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis, producing bespoke project reports and delivering presentations.


7. To support on the write up of publications and dissemination of research findings.


8. To produce high quality research outputs, including publications in peer-reviewed journals at acceptable level of volume and academic excellence, which may be submitted to the REF.


9. To liaise with relevant LSBU academic/technical staff, selected associates and lead personnel from the project partners to ensure collaborations are working to the agreed plan.


10. To provide regular progress updates to the Project Manager, work with academics and project partners to ensure delivery on time to specific quality and cost requirements.


11. To provide relevant information to project manager for monthly reporting to project funder.


12. To maintain good relationships with internal and external parties.


13. To capture real world impact related metrics for completed and in-progress projects.


14. To make presentations, and to disseminate research through informal routes via the internet, the media and other forms of public engagement.


15. To contribute to the development of successful research links and contacts within and outside the University, to identify potential partners.


16. To conduct other duties in line with the role as may reasonably be requested.

See above

Selection criteria

D = Desirable, E = Essential

1. Qualified to high level in energy and heat and mass transfer or a related field (E).


2. Knowledge in one or more areas of low carbon technologies (D).


3. Knowledge of a range of research techniques and methodologies (including both qualitative and quantitative) (D).


4. Experience of working in academic and research environment (E).


5. Ability to scope and deliver research projects (E).


6. Strong IT skills and ability to utilise a variety of software (E).


7. Highly organised, with a flexible approach to work, the ability to prioritise complex workloads and manage changing priorities (E).


8. Ability to communicate with a wide-ranging audience, both orally and in writing, using a range of media (E).


9. Able to demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, equality and diversity, and its practical application (E).