Research Fellow in Infection Risk Management - Built-Environment Modelling (Fixed-Term)

Join an ambitious international team working at the frontier of building science and public health. The University of Nottingham is a key partner in the ARPA-H BREATHE programme’s SCALE project — a multi-institutional effort to create the world’s first real-time system for detecting and controlling airborne pathogens in buildings.

You will work within Technical Area 2 (Respiratory Risk Assessment), developing and validating models that quantify infection risk in buildings using airflow and pollutant transport modelling. This role focuses on linking building performance, ventilation design, and pathogen transport with health outcomes, supporting the development of a new generation of infection-resilient building standards. 

You will join an experienced, collaborative team led by Dr Benjamin Jones and Dr Chris Iddon, working with global experts in infection-risk modelling. The team are the scientific leaders behind the risk analysis that underpins the world’s first international standard for controlling infectious aerosols in buildings (ASHRAE Standard 241). The work involves analysis, simulation, and integration of real-world data into risk models that directly inform how buildings are designed and operated to protect occupant health.

The post will particularly suit candidates who enjoy combining rigorous scientific modelling with practical application — translating theory into measurable public-health benefit. Experience conducting systematic literature reviews or meta-analyses to inform model assumptions would be advantageous.

We are seeking a self-motivated researcher with a PhD (or near completion) in Building Physics, Environmental Engineering, or a related field, and strong quantitative and analytical skills.

You will gain experience contributing to an international research consortium funded by ARPA-H, engage directly with policy and industry partners, and have opportunities for authorship on high-impact publications.

This is an opportunity to conduct science that will help protect the health of millions of people — translating advanced modelling into practical, life-improving outcomes.

This is a full time, fixed-term position funded until 31/12/2026.

For informal inquiries, please contact Benjamin Jones benjamin.jones@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this e-mail will not be accepted.

Further details:

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