Associate Environmental Design Researcher

AtkinsRéalis Building Design Practice are committed to delivering projects in the built environment that improve the quality of life for those people who live, work, and play within them.  In support of this, we have a dedicated multi-disciplinary research & innovation (R&I) team (including design researchers, environmental analysts, data scientists and digital developers), introducing a range of complementary skills to traditional design and engineering professionals. We are currently growing this team and are seeking an Associate Environmental Design Researcher to join us and support our design and environmental research projects. 

This role is currently being advertised as, initially as maternity cover, with an ideal start date from July 2024.

In this role you will support the delivery of applied and design research initiatives in the built environment, working with the R&I team, design teams and clients. The ideal candidate for this role will be passionate about creating better places for people through the application of evidence based and human-centred design methods. We’re keen to find a candidate who is naturally inquisitive and shares our passion that good design can positively impact people’s lives.

Responsibilities:

• Reporting directly to the Director/ Head of Design Research to develop practical and applicable solutions to design challenges across a range of sectors and deliver design research projects.
• Leading the assessment and integration of environmental concepts (e.g.  health & wellbeing, thermal comfort, energy efficient/low carbon solutions, LCA).
• Writing up and presenting technical and strategic reports for clients, in different formats, from short presentations to long reports.
• Excellent knowledge of environmental design research and science, urban studies and technology application that could be used to better understand human experience in the context of the built environment.
• Understanding of various Environmental Assessment procedures (BREEAM, LEED, LETI, MOSTADAM etc.), preferable to be certified in one.

Skills & Experience:

• A degree level qualification in an Architectural or Engineering related field and/or master’s degree in environmental design or equivalent relevant experience.
• Proven track record of several years of technical and research work delivered in the built environment.  
• Good knowledge of architectural design, building physics, bioclimatic, low-energy and passive design of buildings, health and wellbeing and demonstrable experience applying this to built environment projects.
• Strong report writing, communication and presentation skills.
• Experience in applied research methods and tools, such as: environmental modelling and simulation; data analysis & visualisation; desktop and literature reviews; design thinking; survey development or other innovation and research methods.

Software Knowledge:

• Familiarity of environmental analysis software (e.g., DesignBuilder, Envi-met, WinAir, Flow Design, Rayman Pro, Diva for Rhino, Radiance, Tas EDSL, IES, SimScale)
• Awareness of Rhino, Grasshopper, and the environmental grasshopper plugins such as Ladybug, Honeybee, and others.
• Experience in analysis of various environmental data (e.g., climate, weather, simulation, sensor, and urban data).

Behaviours:

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team constituting a range of discipline specialists and delivery teams.
• Being able to deliver on time, responding to client / project deadlines and prioritising deliverables.
• Quick learner with the ability to learn new technologies and techniques.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to engage with a range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrable passion for staying one step ahead of the competition, staying up to date with relevant industry trends, testing and experimenting with new technologies and methodologies.

What we offer?

AtkinsRéalis recognise that there are many well qualified people who are looking to further their career, but who cannot commit to full time employment. We support flexible working arrangements and are interested to discuss how we can accommodate individual requirements.  As part of this commitment, we understand the need for a diverse and flexible workforce, where a work-life balance is important. So, by default AtkinsRéalis offers flexible working, where there is no fixed 9 ‘till 5, no need for a 5-day week, no requirement for a full-time contract, and no requirement to spend all your working time in the office.

Rewards and Benefits:

We offer a competitive salary that is regularly tested against other consultants with a default 25-days leave each year plus bank holidays and options to buy some or sell of that leave. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

New name, new era. We are AtkinsRéalis. It will take some time for all our information to update – you can still refer to our fantastic benefits via the link below:

YourReward at SNC-Lavalin​ (snclavalin.com)

Training:

AtkinsRéalis is committed to developing its people both personally and professionally. Our colleagues have the advantage of access to a high ranging training portfolio and development activities designed to help make the best of individual’s abilities and talents. We also actively support staff in achieving corporate membership of relevant institutions.

Additional Information:

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance.  If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop. To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support staff from different backgrounds. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.

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