The Buildings Test Facility and Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering seeks to appoint a highly skilled, adaptable and self-motivated Technical Specialist to provide technical and experimental support to its VSimulator tall building motion simulator equipment within the Civil Engineering laboratories. 

This is a role within the Core Â鶹´«Ã½ Facilities structure, contributing to the development and operation of this exciting new facility. 

About the role

Working closely with principal investigator Professor Antony Darby at Bath, you will be responsible for running and maintaining the facility and for technical engagement with users both internal and external to the University. 

You will be working on the delivery of the objectives of a £1.2m UKRI funded grant ‘LOCAST: Enabling Low-Carbon Structures by Understanding Human Effects of Motion’ to research how people respond to vibrations within tall buildings working with an interdisciplinary team to consider the wellbeing and productivity of people in swaying buildings from a physiological and psychological point of view. 

You will also ensure that the highest standards of health and safety and ethics are always maintained.  

The unique VSimulator facility consists of a hydraulically controlled lateral motion platform, onto which is mounted an environmentally controlled room in which human subjects will be tested and monitored. 

The equipment is aimed at understanding human perception and acceptability of motion in tall buildings and how the internal environment effects this acceptability

This role primarily involves managing equipment and electro-mechanical systems that include movement, climate control, and video projection. 

A knowledge of control of hydraulic test machines and/or automated environmentally-controlled chambers would be beneficial but not essential. 

Training will be provided. 

Applicants should preferably possess a degree or equivalent in a relevant science/engineering/IT or systems subject and have technical experience of working in a laboratory environment and managing projects. 

We are looking to recruit an individual who will quickly grasp systems details, is a methodical problem-solver, has strong interpersonal skills and enjoys working as part of a team. 

Additional information

The post is offered on a fixed term contract for 18 months although it may be extended subject to further funding. 

Internal applicants may be considered on a temporary secondment basis from their current role, subject to current workload.

Informal enquiries about the post may be made to Professor Antony Darby (Head of Civil Engineering, +44 (0)1225 383182, email A.P.Darby@bath.ac.uk), Neil Price (Department Technical Supervisor, +44 (0)1225 385143, email N.Price@bath.ac.uk), or Dr Christy Waterfall (Head of Core Â鶹´«Ã½ Facility Operations, email research-facilities@bath.ac.uk)

What we can offer you:

• a very generous employer contributory pension scheme
• generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• we are a family-friendly University and with an increasingly agile workforce, are open to flexible working arrangements
• an excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities
• a number of support options available for new and existing staff to help with the cost of some immigration expenses which you may be eligible for: Relocation allowance, Visa Reimbursement, Interest-Free Loan.

Find out more about our benefits.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our  commitment.

We are very proud to be an autism friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader; committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

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Closing Date: 06 Jan 2025

Department: Technical & Experimental

Salary: £37,999 to £45,163