Job Description

Salary: Research Assistant £33,951 - £35,608 per annum

Research Associate £36,636 - £38,784 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 6 September 2026

The Role

We are delighted to be seeking a motivated individual to join the AI Group within the School of Computing at Newcastle University. The postholder will work on an EPSRC funded IAA project, leading the development and evaluation of AI models for the design and optimisation of integrated energy systems in public buildings. They will analyse heterogeneous datasets, create realistic what-if scenario analyses, and develop trustworthy AI tools and software prototypes to optimise energy cost, carbon emissions, and demand-side flexibility under uncertain building operating conditions. The postholder will collaborate with academic researchers, public-sector stakeholders, and industry partners to ensure that the developed solutions address practical challenges in decarbonising public estates.

The successful applicant will possess excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to undertake high-quality, impactful research. They should be self-motivated, capable of managing their own research activities, and committed to delivering innovative AI solutions that support the transition towards low-carbon and energy-positive public buildings.

This post is available from 23 September 2026 on a full-time, fixed-term basis until 22 September 2027. For all informal enquiries, please contact Dr Wanqing Zhao ( Wanqing.Zhao@newcastle.ac.uk).

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of Research Innovation Role Profiles.pdf These profiles set out firstly the generic competencies and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and, secondly, the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Key Accountabilities

Research Assistant

• Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes
• Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s)
• Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project
• Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, books)
• Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate

Research Associate

• Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of the project
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
• Contribute to the writing up of the research and its dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
• Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and develop own research objectives and proposals for funding

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of AI, Machine Learning, or Smart Energy
• Publication record in peer-reviewed journals or conferences, commensurate with stage of career
• Good programming skills in Python, R, Java, or Matlab
• Experience of collaboration with industries, policy makers, or institutions
• Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy
• Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
• Proven ability to analyse data and write-up results
• Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues
• Excellent IT skills in all major office applications
• The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems

In addition for Research Associate

• Awareness of the research environment
• High level of analytical and problem solving capacity
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity

Attributes and Behaviour

• Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi-skilled research team
• Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines
• Commitment to continued professional development
• Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity

Qualifications

Research Assistant

• Honours degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics/Statistics or a closely related subject
• PhD nearing completion in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics/Statistics or a closely related subject

In addition for Research Associate

• A PhD awarded in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics/Statistics or a closely related subject

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID: 29683