Overview
Advert
The Post: Research Assistant / Associate
Organisation: Cardiff University School of Engineering
We seek to recruit a highly motivated Research Assistant/Associates with proven intellectual and technical ability to conduct research in the area of heating and cooling demand in buildings and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.
The candidates are expected to be self-starters and resourceful team-players with an appetite for working with the industry. The prospective candidates will further benefit from an opportunity to attend award-winning courses, workshops and careers advice organised by Cardiff University specifically aimed at researchers throughout their career to develop research and professional skills.
The post is full time (35 hours per week) and fixed term for 24 months or until 30 June 2028, whichever date is the earliest.
Salary information is provided below and reflects the University’s grading structure.
Job ref: 20788BR
For informal enquiries please contact Prof. Meysam Qadrdan at Qadrdanm@cardiff.ac.uk. For details about working at Cardiff School of Engineering please contact Enginadmin@cardiff.ac.uk.
Date advert posted: Friday, 17 October 2025. Closing date: Sunday, 16 November 2025. This post has previously been advertised to employees of Cardiff University only. We now invite external applications.
Responsibilities
Grade 5
* To undertake research on the estimation of spatio-temporal heating and cooling demand for the building stock in Britain
* Actively participate within the research group, communicating and presenting research at meetings, through publications and other recognised avenues as appropriate, ensuring information is communicated to internal and external partners
* To contribute and support research publications and presentations as required
* To contribute and support research funding bids as required
* To analyse and communicate complex ideas, concepts and data using appropriate methods and packages
* To resolve issues and support colleagues in devising procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
* To generate research output and contribute to the development of independent and original ideas as appropriate
* To provide support in research activities for undergraduate courses and research programmes and provide guidance to other members of staff within the research team
* To maintain and update area of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature within the area.
Other
* To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
* To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance
* To ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties
* To abide by the University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity
* Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
Grade 6
* To conduct research on the estimation of spatio-temporal heating and cooling demand for the building stock in Britain, and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
* To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
* To attend and/or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
* To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
* To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
* To review and synthesize existing research literature within the field
* To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects
Person Specification
Grade 5 – Qualifications and Education
* A degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* Knowledge of research methods and techniques within the following field:
i Heating and cooling demand in domestic and non-domestic buildings
ii Data-driven approach for energy demand forecasting and estimation
iii Large energy demand datasets
* Proven ability to analyse complex information and summarise appropriately
* Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies
Communication and Team Working
* Proven communication skills, including presentation to various audiences
* Excellent organisational and team-working skills
Other
* Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamworking within work
Desirable Criteria
* Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion/submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience
* Relevant professional qualification(s)
* Evidence of collaborations with industry
* Proven ability to work without close supervision
* Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community
Essential Criteria Grade 6
* Postgraduate degree at PhD level in a related subject area or equivalent or relevant industrial experience
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:
* Heating and cooling demand in domestic and non-domestic buildings
* Data-driven approach for energy demand forecasting and estimation
* Large energy demand datasets
* Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field
* Proven ability to publish in national/international journals
* Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies
Communication and Team Working
* Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
* Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals
Other
* Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work
* Proven ability to work without close supervision
Desirable Criteria
* Relevant professional qualification(s)
* Evidence of collaborations with industry
* Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.
Other
* Additional Information and Responsibilities
* To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations to raise awareness of the School’s profile and pursue collaboration opportunities
* To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance
* To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
* Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable criteria. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance, 20788BR.
Salary Range Min.: 33,951. Salary Range Max.: 46,049. Job Category: Academic - Research. Grade: Grade 5.
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