Research Fellow Inclusive Cities and Communities (FLEXIBUILD)

Overview:

JR51808 Research Fellow – Inclusive Cities and Communities Cluster (FLEXIBUILD)

- Based in Barcelona, collaborative and dynamic international team

- High level proficiency in English

- Full time, continuing role

- Salary will be negotiated with the preferred candidate

RMIT Europe and the Inclusive Cities and Communities (ICC) Cluster are seeking a dedicated and collaborative Research Fellow to lead the delivery of RMIT Europe’s responsibilities under the Horizon Europe-funded FLEXIBUILD project.

FLEXIBUILD aims to transform buildings of any age, type and digital maturity into smart, flexible and user-centred energy assets through the integration of advanced digital technologies, artificial intelligence, interoperable data infrastructure and real-time energy flexibility services, while embedding co-creation, inclusivity and citizen engagement through a Societal Readiness Management (SRM) approach. The project runs from January 2027 to June 2030 and involves a multidisciplinary consortium delivering demonstration activities across Denmark, Portugal and Italy.

Based in Barcelona and reporting to Dr. Beatriz Pineda Revilla (Cities and Communities Cluster), this role offers a unique opportunity to drive impactful research at the intersection of social sciences, energy and the built environment, working closely with academic leads Ralph Horne (Distinguished Professor of Urban Geography, College of Design and Social Context, RMIT University), Dr. Bhavna Middha (College of Design and Social Context, RMIT University), and Dr. Beatriz Pineda Revilla (Cities and Communities Cluster, RMIT Europe) and contributing to the broader research and partnership agenda of RMIT Europe and the ICC Cluster.

What will you be accountable for?

- Lead the day-to-day management, coordination, delivery and reporting of RMIT’s responsibilities under the FLEXIBUILD project, including liaison with consortium partners, participation in project meetings, conduct of research activities, and delivery of project outputs within agreed quality standards and timeframes.

- Coordinate the Societal Readiness Management work package, ensuring the meaningful integration of users, communities and stakeholders, and providing Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) contributions across the consortium, embedding social, behavioral, governance, equity and public engagement dimensions in the development, deployment and evaluation of FLEXIBUILD solutions.

- Contribute to the development of competitive research and innovation funding proposals by applying expertise, project experience and knowledge generated through FLEXIBUILD, in alignment with the strategic priorities of RMIT Europe and the ICC Cluster.

- Facilitate the development of strategic collaborations between RMIT University and European researchers, industry and community partners.

- Maintain an active research track record through the production of project deliverables and other research outputs, and contribute positively to a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing culture within RMIT Europe.

- Participate in annual work planning and performance development processes and other RMIT Europe team and Inclusive Cities and Communities (ICC) Cluster activities.

- Undertake other duties consistent with the classification of Level B/R2 and required for the efficient operation of the RMIT Europe team and the Inclusive Cities and Communities (ICC) Cluster.

Let’s talk about you

- Demonstrated research experience (industry and/or academic) in the social science of energy efficient buildings, ideally including social practice theoretical approaches and/or Horizon Europe project experience.

- Demonstrated experience in qualitative data collection and analysis (NVivo or similar software), with a track record of research publications, including refereed publications and/or project outputs.

- Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to coordinate activities and deliver outcomes to agreed timelines.

- Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate research results, concepts and knowledge to a range of audiences.

- Demonstrated ability to work effectively both as a member of a research team and independently when required, to meet project outcomes and milestones.

- Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement activities and workshop facilitation.

- A relevant tertiary qualification (PhD) and demonstrated research experience in social science of energy efficient buildings (or equivalent).

- High level proficiency in written and spoken English.

- Eligible to legally work in Spain.

Desirable

- Demonstrated experience preparing high-quality competitive research and innovation funding applications.

- Demonstrated ability to engage with diverse stakeholders spanning science, public sector and industry.

- Experience in organisation of events or conferences.

- Proficiency in Spanish.

- Experience with social practice theoretical approaches.

- Experience working on Horizon Europe or other internationally funded research projects.

Who is RMIT Europe?
We’re the creative and dynamic European hub of RMIT University. Based in the heart of Barcelona, our focus is on successfully extending RMIT’s international engagement and strategically growing the University’s collaborative research and education activity in Europe.

We facilitate RMIT's collaboration in the development of innovative pan-European projects attracting global knowledge from Europe, Australia, and Asia to deliver local impact. We’re a collaborative and dynamic international team, passionate about driving impact through our work, celebrating our achievement

About the team.
You’ll be joining the Inclusive Cities and Communities (ICC) Cluster at RMIT Europe, an ambitious team of experienced professionals passionate about making a difference and delivering real impact through research on inclusive, sustainable and resilient communities.
Benefits of working at RMIT Europe include hybrid working arrangements, flexible salary benefits (transport, health insurance, childcare and restaurants) and free language classes.

Here’s how to apply:
Please submit your CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for this position by clicking on the ‘ Apply ’ link at the top of this page.

For further information about this position, please see the Position Description hyperlinked below.
Position Description – Research Fellow Inclusive Cities and Communities (FLEXIBUILD)

Applications Close:
10 dic 2026 11.59 pm

RMIT Europe is the European hub of RMIT University, one of Australia's largest tertiary institutions. Based in Barcelona, we're focused on expanding RMIT’s reputation as a global university of technology, design and enterprise.