Research Fellow on AI-driven building design for the ZEBAI project(UK Visa Sponsorship)

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Uk
May 15, 2026
Full Time Permanent
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Job Description

University College London is recruiting a Research Fellow to join the ZEBAI project within The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment. This is a fixed-term research position focused on artificial intelligence applications in sustainable building design, construction systems, and advanced environmental modelling.

The role is based in London with a hybrid working arrangement and offers the opportunity to contribute to world-leading research in built environment innovation.

About The Bartlett

The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment is a globally recognised leader in architecture, construction, and urban research. It brings together multiple schools and research centres working on sustainable cities, infrastructure, and environmental design.

The faculty is known for combining technical innovation with design thinking to address global challenges such as climate change, urbanisation, and resource efficiency.

About the Role

This Research Fellow position is part of the ZEBAI project, which explores the use of artificial intelligence in building design and construction processes. The focus is on developing innovative computational methods to improve sustainability, energy efficiency, and life-cycle performance of buildings.

The successful candidate will conduct advanced research into AI-driven modelling approaches such as generative design, digital twins, and BIM-based optimisation, contributing to both academic publications and applied research outputs.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct research on AI-enabled building design and sustainable construction systems
    Develop and apply computational models for building performance and environmental analysis
    Work with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methods to evaluate sustainability impacts
    Explore AI, machine learning, and digital twin technologies in the built environment
    Analyse and interpret complex research data and modelling outputs
    Produce high-quality academic publications, reports, and presentations
    Collaborate with multidisciplinary researchers across engineering, architecture, and data science
    Contribute to project coordination and research administration tasks
    Communicate technical findings clearly to academic and industry audiences

Essential Requirements

Academic Background

  • First degree in architecture, civil engineering, construction, or related discipline
    PhD (or near completion) in AI for construction, built environment, or a related field

Technical Expertise

  • Strong understanding of building design and construction processes
    Knowledge of building physics and sustainability assessment methods (including LCA)
    Experience with AI-based modelling, digital twins, BIM, or generative design tools
    Strong analytical and computational research skills

Research Skills

  • Experience producing high-quality research outputs (papers, reports, or technical documentation)
    Ability to interpret complex datasets and modelling results
    Strong written and verbal communication skills
    Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams

Desirable Skills

  • Experience in AI-driven architectural or construction research
    Familiarity with machine learning methods in the built environment
    Experience in sustainable building performance optimisation
    Prior involvement in collaborative or industry-linked research projects

Salary & Benefits

  • Salary: £43,981 – £52,586 per annum
    Hybrid working arrangement
    41 days annual leave (including bank holidays and closure days)
    Defined benefit pension scheme
    Cycle-to-work scheme and travel support options
    On-site facilities including nursery and gym (UCL campus benefits)
    Enhanced parental leave policies
    Immigration and relocation support (eligible roles)
    Access to employee wellbeing and support services

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

University College London and The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment are committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment where diversity drives innovation. Applications are encouraged from underrepresented groups in academia and research, including women in senior research roles, ethnic minority candidates, disabled researchers, and LGBTQI+ applicants.

Visa Sponsorship

This position is eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under UK immigration rules. International applicants are encouraged to apply.

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