Research Assistant: Hierarchical Material Intensities

Are you interested in the circular economy and keen to make a difference with your work? The School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering has an exciting opportunity for a recent graduate to develop specification and product level material intensities that are representative of the UK's buildings.

We're looking for someone who has, or is about to complete, an undergraduate degree in a built environment related subject, including Civil/Structural Engineering, Architecture or Architectural Engineering. You will analyse drawings and models of buildings to estimate the quantity of materials stocked within them and their potential for secondary reuse. You will also derive material quantities from typical construction specifications and products. The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of buildings, and be comfortable analysing plans, sections, and elevations. Experience of embodied carbon calculations and a strong working knowledge of Excel are required. Ability to code in Python is beneficial.

This role is part of an ongoing funded UK Research and Innovation programme, which aims to understand if the needs of the UK's building stock can be met with zero new raw material extraction, zero emissions and zero waste. It is an exciting five year research project, with four other UK Universities working alongside the University of Sheffield, the project lead. For further information on the project, please see:

We are committed to exploring flexible working opportunities which benefit the individual and University. We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.