Hygrothermal Design Engineer KTP Research Associate

Fully supported by academic experts within the University’s Department of Architecture and Built Environment, you will lead a strategic project to develop an AI-driven passive-hygrothermal solution that enhances ASHP’s efficiency and reliability.

As an enthusiastic researcher, this is a career-development opportunity for you to manage a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). Through the KTP, you will deliver a high-profile, commercially strategic project that will enable Bublshop to gain an understanding of the integration of passive thermal enclosure system with AI-optimized control strategies to revolutionise performance, making ASHPs more effective and efficient in variable climates, targeting a minimum 20% improvement in Coefficient of Performance and a 50% reduction in defrost cycle frequency.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to develop commercially viable, innovative solutions and communicate complex information to a variety of audiences: within Bublshop, its customers and stakeholders. An awareness of commercial drivers and previous industrial experience is essential.

We are seeking a motivated and entrepreneurial researcher who thrives in a collaborative environment. You will have:

1. Post-graduate level, ideally qualified with a PhD (or close to completion) in Building Services Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Control Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or related fields.
2. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to handle real-world technical and commercial challenges.
3. As a people-orientated individual, you will have the ability to influence and engage collaboratively with Bublshop, UoN and other stakeholders. As a proactive person, you will have the passion and desire for creating something new and be enthusiastic and motivated to organise your own time effectively and have a flexible approach to prioritising work tasks.
4. Prior industrial experience and an awareness of commercial drivers are highly desirable.

The project’s aim is to develop an AI-driven passive-thermal solution that enhances air source heat pump (ASHP) performance in colder climates, improving the performance of low-carbon, energy efficient heating solutions.