Research Assistant (Part Time, Fixed Term)

Area

Architecture and Built Environment

Location

University Park

Salary

£35,608 to £47,389 per annum, pro-rata if applicable, depending on skills and experience.

Closing Date

Tuesday 12 May 2026

Interview Date

To be confirmed

Reference

ENG945726X1

Are you an architect or researcher passionate about the long-term adaptability of historic tenements?

We are seeking a Research Assistant with a strong interest in the architectural and urban history of European tenements from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The role supports the Leverhulme Trust-funded project “European Tenement Biographies and the Long-Term Success of Housing Design” , led by Dr Katharina Borsi (University of Nottingham) and Prof Florian Urban (Glasgow School of Art).

The project investigates how historic tenements in six European cities—Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, Glasgow, Krakow and Paris—have adapted over time, and what these transformations reveal about sustainable and resilient housing today. Through comparative “building biographies,” the research examines construction methods, materials, retrofits, environmental performance and changing patterns of occupation across approximately 150 years. The aim is to understand the reasons behind the typological continuity, social flexibility and architectural resilience of tenement housing.

We seek an architect or architectural researcher with strong analytical skills and the ability to contribute independently to a major international project.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

Architectural practice experience, or a PhD in architecture/architectural history (or thesis submitted by the start date); equivalent research expertise may also be considered Excellent architectural skills and competencies in typological and morphological analysis, contextual and site analysis, and an understanding of construction methods, materials, adaptations and long-term transformations Strong skills in architectural drawing and visual representation Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Desirable skills and experience:

Knowledge of tenement architecture in at least one case study city, or strong familiarity with European late nineteenth- and early twentieth‑century residential architecture Experience in archival research, publication or architectural practice Ability to speak one of the languages used in the case‑study cities

This post offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a comparative research project at the forefront of architectural and urban history. You will join a supportive research environment, undertake fieldwork in several European cities and contribute to archival, architectural and urban investigations. You will also benefit from expert supervision, mentoring and professional development opportunities.

Key responsibilities include collaborating with the Principal Investigator; undertaking fieldwork and archival research; contributing to typological analyses and building biographies; preparing conference papers and journal articles; and supporting dissemination, including social media and website content.

Working hours are 22.5 per week, with flexibility to align project needs and the post holder’s circumstances.

Further details are provided in the role profile. To apply, please click ‘Apply Now’.

For enquiries, please contact katharina.borsi@nottingham.ac.uk. Applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Email details to a friend

Apply Online

Further details:

Job Description/Role Profile

Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) employer . Increasing the diversity of our community is extremely important to us and we are committed to the aims of Disability Confident Scheme.

We are the first university to have achieved Athena Swan Gold Award .

To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process.

Discover our benefits, visit Your Benefits website.

We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details.

Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration .

View All Vacancies

View Previous List