Research Assistant (Internal Only, Part Time, Fixed Term) (ENG945726)

INTERNAL VACANCY

This vacancy is open to employees of the University of Nottingham only.

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 consideredExcellent architectural skills and competencies in typological and morphological analysis, contextual and site analysis, and an understanding of construction methods, materials, adaptations and long-term transformationsStrong skills in architectural drawing and visual representationExcellent 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 twentiethâcentury residential architectureExperience in archival research, publication or architectural practiceAbility to speak one of the languages used in the caseâstudy 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.

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Closing Date: 25 Apr 2026
Category: Internal Only