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About the role:
We are seeking a Research Associate to support the UKRI funded “Customisable Urban Model for Quantifiable Thermal Observations” (CUMQUAT) project in creation of the CUMQUAT scale model at the University of Bath’s Building Research Park. This will include construction of the model, the fabrication and setup of the various sensors and recording apparatus for monitoring air temperatures, surface temperatures, humidity and air speed for the aerodynamic measurements as well as all the turbulent kinetic fluxes for the eddy covariance measurements.
Your core objectives will be:
- Creation of a world-leading scale urban model incorporating an area of bluespace, with the capability to measure both aerodynamic and eddy covariance measurements of the environmental conditions and turbulent fluxes arising from the surface.
- Creation of various detailed data sets allowing for the validation of numerical simulations. Several data sets will be created representative of different climatic conditions and scenarios.
- Exploration of factors affecting the effectiveness of urban bluespace in urban heat island mitigation including: area, geometry, temperature and atmospheric stability conditions.
For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Dr Tristan Kershaw at tjk28@bath.ac.uk but please ensure you submit your application through our website.
This position is offered on a full time, fixed term basis until 30th November 2026.
About you:
Our ideal candidate will have:
- A PhD in a relevant subject area
- An understanding of the aerodynamic processes that occur within an urban boundary layer and the origins of the urban heat island
- Good numerical skills and proven expertise in data analysis
- Ability to organise and prioritise own workload to meet required deadlines
- Commitment to excellence in research
Prior experience of the physical measurement or numerical simulation of boundary layers is highly desirable, as is working knowledge of electronics (or willingness to learn) for the measurement devices.
Given the off-campus nature of these measurements the ability to drive would also be beneficial.
Further information:
The CUMQUAT array will allow the controlled testing of different sizes and configurations of a temperature-controlled water body in an urban setting under natural environmental loading. The quantity and variety of environmental sensors deployed will allow a ‘belt and braces’ approach to data collection and provide sufficient data for the creation of detailed data sets for the validation of numerical simulations, but also exploration of the various heat and mass transfer mechanisms going on under different environmental loading patterns. A better understanding of these conditions will allow urban areas to be better planned to incorporate bluespace to reduce or even neutralise the urban heat island and providing relief from heatwaves and future environmental change.
