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Research Assistant/Associate in Digital Underground Construction (Fixed Term)


A position is available in the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge for a Research Assistant/Associate to develop cutting-edge digital technologies and/or numerical tools for underground construction processes.

The post holder will be located in West Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.

The successful candidate will join a major research project focused on Digital Underground Construction and work closely with both national and international academic and industry partners. The role involves the development of innovative solutions for applications such as tunnelling, deep excavations, and shaft construction.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Designing and developing digital technologies (e.g., machine learning, digital twinning) and/or numerical methods (e.g., multi-physics modelling) aimed at optimising underground construction processes.
  • Leveraging the developed tools to enhance sustainability, productivity, and safety in construction projects.
  • Applying these advanced technologies to real-world construction challenges through collaboration with industry partners and the use of real-world project data.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to transformative research at the intersection of digital innovation and civil engineering. Applicants are expected to have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD in construction engineering, civil engineering, information engineering or cognate discipline. They should also have good written and spoken communication skills in English, a strong record of academic and/or professional achievement and previous experience of digital and/or numerical research work for underground construction.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Salary Ranges: Research Assistant: £32,296 - £34,866 Research Associate: £36,924 - £45,163

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 30 months in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV; including a list of publications) and a supporting letter in the Upload section of the online application. The supporting statement should cover your motivation for the post, a point-by-point account of how you meet each of the selection criteria and strictly one journal publication/draft, conference paper, or report that exemplifies the quality of your research.

This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks (such as time out to care for dependants). If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Dr Brian Sheil (bbs24@cam.ac.uk) for queries of a technical nature related to the role or csic-admin@eng.cam.ac.uk for queries related to the application process.

Please quote reference NM44016 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Further information

Apply online