Research Assistant / Research Fellow in Sustainable Built Environment - 16700

Brunel University London; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology university in the UK is seeking a Research Assistant or Research Fellow in Sustainable Built Environment. This role involves conducting microclimate simulations and developing models to enhance outdoor thermal comfort for children. The successful applicant will collaborate with multiple universities and industry partners on the EPSRC project. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in computational fluid dynamics, dynamic thermal modelling, and building performance, along with excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Experience with computational fluid dynamics and dynamic thermal modelling.
• Research experience with outdoor spaces and their environmental interactions.
• Record of research publications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct microclimate simulations and thermal modelling for outdoor spaces.
• Generate data for model calibration through case studies.
• Propose solutions based on simulation and survey data.

Skills

Computational fluid dynamics

Dynamic thermal modelling

Energy and environmental performance

Urban heat island consideration

Computer programming

Strong communication skills

Ability to work independently

Education

Experience in building engineering or building physics

Job description

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant or Research Fellow in the area of sustainable built environment. The successful applicant will work as part of the EPSRC project sChOOL YARD: Outdoor thermal comfort models for children.

Position Title: Research Assistant / Research Fellow in Sustainable Built Environment – 16700

Department/College: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering/College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences

Location: Brunel University of London, Uxbridge Campus

Salary:

Research Assistant: Grade R1 from £36,640 to £38,638 per annum inclusive of London Weighting with potential to progress to £39,682 per annum inclusive of London Weighting through sustained exceptional contribution. (Pro-rata for Part-time)

Research Fellow: Grade R1 from £40,757 to £44,179 per annum inclusive of London Weighting with potential to progress to £47,921 per annum inclusive of London Weighting through sustained exceptional contribution. (Pro-rata for Part-time)

Hours: Full-time

Contract Type: Fixed-term for 24 months

Brunel University London was established in 1966 and is a leading multidisciplinary research-intensive technology university delivering economic, social and cultural benefits. For more information please visit: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/our-history/home

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant or Research Fellow in the area of sustainable built environment. The successful applicant will work as part of the EPSRC project sChOOL YARD: Outdoor thermal comfort models for children.

The project is an exciting opportunity featuring four UK Universities (Kent, Brunel, Loughborough and UCL) and seven industry partners. sChOOL YARD is funded by EPSRC and aims to develop model and guidelines that ensure outdoor spaces in schools provide comfort conditions which reflect children’s thermal state, along with preferences and expectations and are resilient to climate change.

The Research Assistant or Research Fellow based at Brunel will be responsible for microclimate simulations using computational fluid dynamics and dynamic thermal modelling to study how physical parameters and microclimate of the playground impact on children’s thermal comfort and to evaluate the potential impact of different climate change scenarios on the thermal performance of the outdoor environment in schools. The Research Assistant or Research Fellow is expected to contribute to monitoring in case-study schools which will generate data for calibration of the models. The Research Assistant or Research Fellow is also expected to contribute to design studies (based on data collected from surveys, laboratory and simulations) to propose solutions. The Research Assistant or Research Fellow will be responsible to study through modelling the resilience of the solutions using climate change weather data. Close collaboration with all project partners will be required throughout, including attendance of monthly progress meetings.

Applications are invited from individuals with experience in the area of building engineering and/or building physics with focus on energy and environmental performance of buildings and outdoor spaces and their interaction. The ideal candidate will have research experience in CFD and dynamic thermal modelling, consideration of urban heat island in the generation of future weather files, some experience with computer programming and a record of research publications. Strong communication/interpersonal skills and an ability to work independently are essential.

For further information please contact Professor Maria Kolokotroni

E-mail: [e-mail]

Closing date for applications: 17 January 2026

For further details about the post including the Job Description and Person Specification and to apply please visit https://careers.brunel.ac.uk

If you have any technical issues please contact us at: [e-mail]

Brunel University London is fully committed to creating and sustaining a fully inclusive workforce culture. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities, we particularly welcome applicants who are currently under- represented in our workforce.