Research Trainee

Role Description

Department

York School of Architecture (YSA), University of York — We are recruiting a Research Trainee to join an international collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) on low-carbon, offsite/modular construction. The project develops robust methods and open datasets for whole-life carbon (WLC) and life-cycle cost (LCC) assessment, alongside comparative case studies that put modular and conventional approaches on a fair footing. You’ll work in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment across architecture, engineering and data science, with direct engagement from public bodies and industry partners. 

We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies (such as job sharing), flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, campus facilities and services to support staff from different backgrounds.EqualityatYork.

Role

You’ll be a core researcher helping to: (i) synthesise international evidence on WLC/LCC for modular systems; (ii) co-design transparent methods aligned to relevant standards; (iii) build and document research-grade datasets; and (iv) deliver applied analyses with Canadian case studies. Typical duties include literature synthesis and meta-analysis; data model and workflow design; primary/secondary data collection with manufacturers and project teams; drafting journal articles, industry white papers and guidance; presenting at project events; and contributing to open, reproducible research assets. You will collaborate closely with NRC colleagues and UK/Canadian stakeholders, help coordinate milestones and ethics/data governance, and (as appropriate) mentor PhD/PGT students involved in the programme.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

Essential    

• Degree in quantitative disciplines with proven application to built-environment disciplines.
• Strong quantitative skills and demonstrable expertise in life-cycle assessment for buildings (embodied/whole-life carbon) and rigorous research methods.
• Proficiency in data handling and analysis; ability to develop, and design documentation for, open datasets.
• Evidence of high-quality academic writing (published papers/reports) and effective presentation to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience working collaboratively with external partners and managing ethical/data considerations.
• Organised, proactive, and inclusive in approach, with the ability to meet deadlines across parallel work packages.
• Experience of international collaboration; willingness to travel for project activities.

Desirable:

• PhD in a built environment related discipline
• Multiple peer-reviewed academic publications
• Experience integrating WLC with life-cycle costing (LCC) for decision support.
• Knowledge of offsite/modular and/or mass-timber systems, construction product data and supply-chain engagement.
• Familiarity with BIM/data schemas, environmental product declarations, and relevant standards (e.g., EN 15978/ISO LCA).
• Track record in datasets development and stakeholder-facing outputs (white papers, guidance).
• Knowledge of Canadian context, ideally from a built environment perspective

Interview date: 03 December 2025

For informal enquiries: please contact the Principal Investigator, Professor Francesco Pomponi (francesco.pomponi@york.ac.uk) for informal discussions about this role. 

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork