Research Assistant

Location: South Kensington Campus

About the role:

We are seeking a Research Assistant to enrol in a 3-year Research Doctorate employed at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College. The post will carry out research as part of the NURISH (NURturing transformative capacities, Innovation in NBS and Harmonious resilience in rural areas) project. It is funded by the Horizon Europe Grant for Culture, creativity and inclusive society programme. The project aims to address key challenges on enhancing climate resilience and sustainable development in rural and small urban communities by implementing transformative nature-based, technological and circular economy solutions.

NURISH consists of sixteen international partners that perform research to address the need for more widespread uptake and deployment of circular and decentralised water management solutions in the face of expanding urban populations and inadequate infrastructure, particularly in peri-urban areas. This innovative approach aims to catalyse the large-scale adoption of circular and decentralised water solutions, working in combination with existing centralised legacy systems and services.

What you would be doing:

You will act as one of the main researchers responsible for delivering project results through the submission of reports to the European Commission through scheduled meetings. You will also be required to complete a PhD degree at Imperial College London in conjunction with the post and project.

You will be supervised by a Senior Researcher, as well as collaborate with other researchers, PhD students and industrial partners working on the NURISH project at Imperial and elsewhere. Opportunities may arise to participate in conferences, as well as travel to present project results to the NURISH consortium and EU Project Officer. Therefore, this position offers a world-class range of training and development opportunities in a highly stimulating environment, as well as access to internationally leading academics and industrial partners, research facilities, and networks. 

What we are looking for:

• A first/masters degree (or equivalent) in engineering (civil, chemical, environmental, etc) or equivalent experience
• Experience of Sustainability & circularity assessment
• Knowledge of Environmental and Social sciences
• Knowledge of basic research methods and statistical procedures
• Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

This is a full-time fixed-term post for 3 years. There can be some flexibility with the start date dependent on the circumstances of the candidate, but this post must start by 30 September 2026 at the latest.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact Professor Evina Katsou at e.katsou@imperial.ac.uk.

Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to Briony Webb at b.webb@imperial.ac.uk.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds and disabilities. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the interview process and to perform crucial job functions, as well as other support including staff networks. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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