Internal Applicants Only - Research Assistant / Associate bei Cardiff University

This post is currently open to employees of Cardiff University only.  Please do not apply if you do not have a current contract of employment with the University.

Internal Applicants Only - Research Assistant / Associate
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: 

£33,951 to £36,636 per annum (Grade 5). We do not anticipate appointing this position above point 25 of Grade 5 salary, £33,951 per annum. 

Or

£41,064 to £46,049 per annum (Grade 6). We do not anticipate appointing this position above point 32 of Grade 6 salary, £41,064 per annum.

Job ref: 20788BR

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Prof. Meysam Qadrdan at [email protected]  

For further details about working at Cardiff School of Engineering please contact Karen Baldwin/Chiara Riolo /Bev Jones at [email protected]

Closing date: Wednesday, 15 October 2025

External applications are currently not being considered for this post.  If the decision is made to open the post to external candidates, the strapline at the top will be removed and you will be given ample time to apply – please check back periodically for details.

The School of Engineering holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. Cardiff University is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. For this vacancy we actively encourage women to apply. We will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share opportunities. 

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

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 synthesise 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
Please see additional information for other

Other

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally  to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
• 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.

Person Specification Grade 5

Qualifications and Education
1. A degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2. 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
3. Proven ability to analyse complex information and summarise appropriately
4. Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies

Communication and Team Working
5. Proven communication skills, including presentation to various audiences
6. Excellent organisational and team-working skills

Other
7. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamworking within work

Desirable Criteria
Essential Criteria Grade 6 

Qualifications and Education
1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level in a related subject area or equivalent or relevant industrial experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2 An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:

1. 1. Heating and cooling demand in domestic and non-domestic buildings
   2. Data-driven approach for energy demand forecasting and estimation
   3. Large energy demand datasets

Communication and Team Working
Other
Desirable Criteria

10. Relevant professional qualification(s)
11. Evidence of collaborations with industry.
12. Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.