Research Associate - Civil Engineering - 107027 - Grade 6

Position Details

Civil Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

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

As this vacancy has limited funding, the maximum starting salary that can be offered is £33,002

Grade: 6

Part Time (7.5 hours a week), Fixed Term contract up to May 2027

Closing date: 24th February 2026

Background 

To assist in GIS-based research (by carrying out data collection or analyses) to create knowledge through providing research support for WM-Adapt and Resilient Systems Climate Action research group.

Summary of Role

• Work within WM-Adapt project to support GIS-based research and project communications
• Operate within area of built environment and infrastructure resilience to a changing climate
• Contribute to publications on weather impacts and climate adaptation

Main Duties

• Collect spatial research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Analyse meteorological, environmental and infrastructure research data as directed
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Develop or adapt GIS-based techniques, models and methods
• Provide guidance on climate adaption or GIS based procedures as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification 

• Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area 

• Practical experience of using GIS to develop Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment 

• Ability to analyse information and communicate information on weather impacts, climate resilience and climate adaptation pathways to non-academic audiences 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 to Emma Ferranti, email: e.ferranti@bham.ac.uk

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.