Job Description
About Us
This role offers an exceptional opportunity for a postgraduate or postdoctoral researcher seeking to combine advanced technical expertise with real-world application. Based within the UCL Built Environment Faculty (BEAMS) and partnered with the Centre for Energy Equality, this Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) bridges academic research, community engagement, and industry innovation.
The project focuses on addressing one of the UK’s pressing housing challenges — moisture and mould in homes — by using building stock models and IoT sensor data to develop predictive tools and evidence-based interventions. Working alongside housing providers, community groups, and academic experts, you will contribute to research that directly improves health, wellbeing, and housing conditions across the country.
The position provides exposure to both academic research and commercial practice, supported by world-leading mentors and a national KTP network that provides structured training, mentoring, and career development opportunities.
About the Role
This post will lead a cutting-edge innovation project that quantifies the relationship between building characteristics, airborne moisture, and mould growth using sensor-based data and building simulation models.
Key aims include
Developing reliable risk metrics to identify homes at higher risk of damp and mould.
Designing and testing practical mitigation strategies that benefit tenants, landlords, and housing providers.
Creating data-driven tools that can be scaled for wider application across the housing sector.
The role will involve
Analysing sensor time-series data to identify and classify moisture events.
Designing and implementing data pipelines for sensor collection and cloud-based integration.
Using simulation and statistical sampling techniques to evaluate moisture and mould risk.
Collaborating with housing providers and community organisations to test real-world interventions.
Managing multiple project workstreams, tracking milestones, and delivering outputs that have community and commercial impact.
The successful candidate will be based primarily at the Centre for Energy Equality’s London office, working closely with UCL academics and industry experts in energy modelling, housing, and net zero strategies.
About You
You will have:
A postgraduate or doctoral qualification in a relevant field such as building physics, environmental science, computer science, or data analytics.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in time-series data analysis or statistical modelling.
Experience using or developing simulation tools, IoT data systems, or cloud platforms.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
A proactive and adaptable approach, capable of managing multiple priorities and delivering high-quality results under minimal supervision.
Desirable:
Knowledge of building energy models, environmental monitoring, or housing data systems.
Experience working with community or social enterprise projects.
A passion for research that delivers tangible social impact.
What We Offer
In addition to an exciting, high-impact role, UCL offers an excellent benefits package, including:
41 days of holiday (27 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays + 6 closure days)
Option to purchase an additional 5 days’ leave annually
Defined benefit CARE pension scheme
Cycle-to-work scheme and season ticket loans
Immigration and relocation support for eligible international applicants
On-site nursery and gym facilities
Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
Employee Assistance Programme and discounted medical insurance
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, UCL is committed to creating a fair, inclusive, and diverse workplace where everyone feels they belong. We particularly welcome applications from candidates who are underrepresented in our workforce, including individuals from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ communities, and, for senior grades, women.
The department holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award in recognition of its strong commitment to advancing gender equality.