Research Associate for INHABIT

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906.

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract up to September 2028

Background

We are recruiting a research associate to assist in research (by carrying out data collection or analyses) to create knowledge through providing research support for INHABIT hub.

The UKRI-NIHR INHABIT: “Indoor HABItability during the Transition to Net Zero Housing Hub” is a £7.3 million research hub with an overall aim of producing scientific evidence and policy-relevant solutions to realise the health co-benefits of the UK’s net zero transition in housing. To this aim, INHABIT is bringing together key stakeholder groups including:

• Scientists from a range of disciplines (including social science, climate, air quality, health and economics) from the 11 institutions
• 14 Regional, local and national government representatives
• 6 governmental-associated entities
• 4 housing associations
• 4 industrial partners
• 4 NGOs

INHABIT is a transdisciplinary collaboration network involving 32 investigators and 28 stakeholders and a team of postdoctoral research and knowledge exchange fellows.

Main Duties

Field observations & data management

• Plan and install low‑cost indoor air quality (IAQ) sensor packages in study homes, following pre‑registered protocols.
• Conduct routine checks, remote troubleshooting and on‑site servicing.
• Implement weekly QC and deal with emerging issues, such as replacing sensors.
• Support and/or carry out surveys in homes recruited for the INHABIT
• Support / carry out observations using the air quality supersite

Data analysis & modelling & presentation

• Clean and integrate research datasets (e.g., sensors, surveys, smart meters).
• Perform initial data analyses and develop predictive models or techniques as required.
• Present and interpret research outputs for diverse audiences, including drafting policy briefs, academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.

Dissemination & stakeholder engagement

• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Present findings at Hub meetings, local‑authority workshops and public‑engagement events.
• Contribute to capacity‑building activities (e.g., training PPIE groups in sensor use).

General duties

• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Assist with ethics/data‑sharing documentation.
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture in line with university policies.

Person Specification

• A first degree or equivalent in relevant subject area
• Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques, such as environmental sensors
• Experience and strong skills in engaging with human participants of the INHABIT project
• Experience in engaging with local authorities is desirable
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries can be made to Zongbo Shi: z.shi@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

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