Job Description

British Antarctic Survey

BAS 26/57

Contract type 1 year fixed-term appointment

Location Cambridge

Salary D S1 £46,444 - £51,088

Closing date 22 July 2026

Interview date TBC

Background/Overview:

Purpose:

Join a unique and impactful project to help design cutting-edge, net zero modular field science and accommodation enclosures for use in Antarctica. This is an exceptional opportunity for someone looking to apply and develop their skills in modelling and simulation as well as gain experience in the practical application of engineering to develop the enclosures. Your work will contribute directly to the decarbonisation of remote field operations in one of the most extreme environments on Earth.

What We Offer:

· Work on a groundbreaking net zero project for one of the most remote research environments on Earth.

· Mentorship and collaboration with experienced professionals in engineering, sustainability, and science logistics.

· A chance to make a real impact in helping reduce carbon emissions in scientific field operations.

· Fixed-term contract for one year with potential for professional development and future opportunities.

Duties:

· Deliver modelling and simulation of net zero energy scenarios for modular structures in the Antarctic field.

· Use tools such as IES (Integrated Environmental Solutions) or other recognised building/environmental simulation software to assess and optimise energy performance.

· Collaborate closely with engineering, net zero, and science teams to gather multidisciplinary requirements for field enclosures.

· Explore passive and active strategies to reduce energy demand, increase efficiency, and improve comfort for field personnel.

· Contribute to design iterations of standalone field enclosures by testing different materials, HVAC approaches, insulation systems, and renewables integration.

· Help produce technical reports, simulations, and visual outputs to support design decisions and stakeholder engagement.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• Experience in energy modelling, building simulation, and/or environmental systems design. Working knowledge of IESVE software preferred, or other relevant platforms (e.g. EnergyPlus, DesignBuilder, Rhino/Grasshopper, TRNSYS).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to technical detail.
• Enthusiastic about net zero design and sustainability, especially in challenging, remote environments.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Degree (BSc/MSc) in engineering, environmental design, building physics, or a related discipline, or demonstrable equivalent level of experience.
• Demonstrated strong numerical and analytical ability, with the capacity to apply building physics theory to develop, implement and evaluate models and simulations.
• Proven experience of analysing quantitative data, including validating model outputs, assessing uncertainty and interpreting results.
• Ability to interpret numerical results critically and communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong IT and computing skills, with the ability to use specialist software and digital tools relevant to modelling and simulation.
• Ability to make sound, evidence-based decisions, drawing on data analysis, modelling outputs and professional judgement.
• Proficient in written and spoken English.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of multidisciplinary teams, contributing constructively and respecting different perspectives and areas of expertise.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly, adapting style and level of detail to suit different audiences.

Desirable:

• Experience working on or studying low-energy building design, modular construction, cold climate environments.
• Practical experience working on scientific instrumentation and/or electrical/electronic systems.
• Interest in science support infrastructure and real-world application of sustainable design principles.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

UKRI - UK Research and Innovation

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

As part of the pre-employment checks there is a requirement to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Screening. BPSS is a pre-condition of employment and failure to achieve it may mean that the employment offer is rescinded. UKRI reserves the right to run, or re-run, security clearance as required during the course of employment.