Overview
Research Associate (SB13893) – Bath, BA2 7AY
About the role
This project is part of the Centre for People-Led Net-Zero research (https://www.people-led.org.uk/netzero) at the University of Bath, and in particular the Heritage Buildings work-package (https://www.people-led.org.uk/netzero).
This role is for someone with proven expertise in whole-building energy analysis, particularly thermal modelling. It will involve :
- building a thermal model in EnergyPlus, Autodesk Insight or IES (Virtual Environment), or similar.
- calibrating the model against the building’s current state
- performing sensitivity studies to understand the major drivers of energy use
- devise creative solutions for energy sue reduction, and evaluate their potential using the model
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.
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 meeting the Grade 7 requirements, and will be promoted to Research Associate once they have met them.
About you
- The ideal candidate will have expert knowledge of building energy analysis, and experience of using software such as EnergyPlus, Autodesk Insight or IES to carry out parametric studies to understand a building's energy use. Ideally they would have a demonstrated ability to automate their workflow using a parametric / scripting environment.
- The ideal candidate will have very strong communication skills, able to write technical reports and academic papers in high quality English, as well as being able to present their work in person to both academic and industry audiences.
- They will be comfortable working as part of the wider project team, sometimes pitching in to help others achieve a project deadline, as well as able to work independently and creatively, take decisions, and attempting to resolve issues themselves before asking for help.
- The ideal candidate will also need to work within professional and ethical codes of conduct, and be committed to excellence and integrity in research and to safe working practices.
- You should have a PhD in Architecture & Civil Engineering or extensive industry experience using the modelling tools on real-world projects.
Further information
This role is offered on a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed term basis with an expected duration of 12 months.
For informal discussions about the role please contact Paul Shepherd at ps281@bath.ac.uk.
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 equity 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.
We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.
What we can offer you
We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff benefits include discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more
- Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- 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
- Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app
Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn.
Be Well at Bath
We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including:
- Staff support groups and networks
- A network of Staff Wellbeing Champions
- A suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive
Find out more about being at your best at Bath.
Closing Date: 03 Sep 2026
Department: Education & Research
Salary: £38,784 to £46,049
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
