Interdisciplinary Research Fellow in Plant Integration into the Built Environment

A Research Fellow is required to develop interdisciplinary research on the “Plants & Architecture” project. The project is part of the Welsh Government and HEFCW-funded Sêr Cymru National Research Network for Low Carbon Energy and Environment (www.nrn-lcee.ac.uk/plants-arhitecture). Plant scientists at Aberystwyth University, materials scientists at Bangor University and architects at the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University, are working together to understand how buildings and plants interact with each other and their environment, so that we can develop the cities and crops of tomorrow. Similar appointments are being made at partner organisations. Together we seek to revisit the relationship between plants and architecture through biomimicry, a philosophy in architecture that seeks solutions for sustainability in nature and by applying the tools and thinking of architecture to help design more efficient crops.

At Cardiff we seek to appoint an Architectural scientist/ Building physicist to look at the integration of plants into the built environment; at plants as building materials and ways to mitigate against urban heat island effects and pollution, and to explore how architectural design can influence agriculture.

The post-holder will join the Welsh School of Architecture at Cardiff University and work with fellows and investigators at Bangor and Aberystwyth Universities. The post will be between 36-42 months and is funded until 31 December 2018.

Research

• To independently develop research objectives within Plant and Architecture related projects or proposals for own or joint research including research funding acting as a Principal Investigator (PI) as required. To develop research networks through regular national/international conference/seminar presentations
• To generate and pursue independent and original research ideas in the field of research and support the initiation of new lines of research in related areas
• To disseminate research findings using appropriate and effective national and international publications, research seminars, meetings and conferences
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects
• To supervise and develop other research staff within own research projects
• To provide guidance students in own specialist area, including supervising and assessing undergraduate projects
• To participate in School research activities.
• To devise, and contribute to the development of proposals for external funding of research
• To design and conduct a successful programme of investigation
• To publish in high quality peer reviewed national and international journals
• To present research at national and international conferences/meetings as appropriate
• To develop research networks locally, nationally and internationally in support of the research programme
• To take part in knowledge-transfer activities, including collaborative meetings with other research groups

Other

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
• To ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in respect of equality and diversity, data protection, copyright and licensing, security, financial and other University policies, procedures and codes as appropriate.
• To take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and of other persons who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, European Community (EC) directives and the University’s Safety, Health and Environment policies and procedures and to cooperate with the University on any legal duties placed on it as the employer.

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received

Salary: £39,685 - £45,954 per annum (Grade 7)

Closing date: 15 May

Interview date/s for this post will be the week commencing 01 June 2015, although definite dates will be provided after shortlisting.

Contact for further information: Prof. Phil Jones, jonesP<στο>cardiff.ac.uk

To submit an application, please click the "Apply through website" button.

Essential criteria

Qualifications and Education

• Postgraduate degree at PhD level in a related subject area (awarded no less than 2 years and no more than 8 years before the start date of the position)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:
  - Architectural Science with particular reference to plants and architecture
• Growing national reputation within academic field
• Proven substantial record of publications in high-impact national journals.
• Have published, confirmed accepted or in press, at least 5 papers in the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) accredited peer-reviewed journals by the starting date of the position. (Applicants with longer periods of postdoctoral experience will be expected to have proportionally higher numbers).
• Proven ability attain competitive research funding along with a strong portfolio of research grants

Communication and Team Working

• Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
• Proven ability to lead and develop a research team
• Proven ability to attract MA and PhD students

Other

• Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work 
  Evidence of ability to manage a research project

Desirable

• Relevant professional qualification(s).
• Evidence of collaborations with industry.
• Proven ability to work without close supervision
• Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
• Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the teaching and research activities of the School.
• A willingness to take responsibility for academically related administration.

The Welsh School of Architecture (WSA) consistently appears in the top rankings for schools of architecture in the UK, based on its performance in architectural education and research.

The WSA attracts undergraduate and graduate students from around the world who benefit from the unique experience gained from studying and living in Wales. The School offers a solid base from which to make connections to UK and international partners and collaborators, through the School’s extensive education and research networks.