Research Assistant/Associate in Communication and Industry Engagement with Biological Architecture

Company description:

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Job description:

The Role

We are seeking a researcher to join HBBE, able to communicate and engage with the construction industry in respect to new, innovative biologically based approaches for the built environment.

HBBE is an exciting collaboration between Newcastle University and Northumbria University with over 60 members supported by substantial funding from Research England. HBBE’s vision is to develop biotechnologies to create a new generation of Living Buildings which are responsible and responsive to their natural environment; grown using living engineered materials to reduce inefficient industrial construction processes; metabolise their own waste, reducing pollution and generating energy and high-value products; and modulate their microbiome to benefit human health and ecological health and wellbeing.

We are looking for a self-motivated and adaptable researcher to help communicate and engage others in the scientific concepts and the prototypes already emerging from HBBE. Experience in engaging industry partners would be welcome though not essential. The successful candidate will be based in the Responsible Interactions theme and will collaborate with researchers across the other research themes of Building Metabolisms, Living Construction and Microbial Environments. The candidate will work alongside science, engineering and design teams to trial and develop appropriate engagement projects with industry and other significant audiences, in order to showcase the work of the HBBE.

Some knowledge or experience of emerging biotechnologies would be welcome but is not essential. Along with the standard application documents (including CV and cover letter) applicants are asked to provide a ‘portfolio of projects’ which evidence a range of communication and engagement skills and a track record in research.

The nature of this role will require the successful candidate to work predominantly on the campus.

The post is full-time (or part-time if a suitable job share can be arranged) and fixed term, starting as soon as possible and ending 31st  March 2024.  

Informal queries to: Prof Ruth Morrow, ruth.morrow@newcastle.ac.uk

For more information about the project see our website.

As part of our commitment to career development for research staff, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

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