Project Assistant in Circular Building Research

Umeå Universitet · Vollzeit

Umeå universitet, Umeå, Schweden

The School of Architecture at Umeå University is seeking a project assistant for an upcoming research project focused on circular building practices and the use of reclaimed and reused building materials. This is a part-time position (50%) on a permanent basis, with a start date in October 2026 or by agreement. Project Background This position is linked to the two-year research and development project Scalable Processes for Reuse in the Building Sector, a collaborative initiative between Umeå University and ABC Umeå, financed by Tillväxtverket. Within the project, the School of Architecture at Umeå University is responsible for developing methods and knowledge for circular and material-based design through research and documentation, as well as contributing to the development of a full-scale demonstration project. The work includes identifying and documenting reusable building materials and building components, investigating their architectural and technical potential, and producing a handbook with design principles and building strategies for circular building practices. The project contributes to strengthening regional capacity for material reuse and circular building in northern Sweden. Key Responsibilities The project assistant will support research, documentation, and project coordination activities related to circular design and material reuse. Responsibilities include, among others: Supporting communication and coordination with project partners, including ABC Ombruka Umeå and external stakeholders; Collecting, organizing, and maintaining information about reclaimed building materials, building components, and material inventories; Assisting with documentation, data management, and reporting within the research project; Supporting the development of a handbook on circular design, including compilation of design examples, technical information, material data, drawings, photographs, and project documentation; Documenting research activities, design explorations, material studies, and project results; Assisting in planning and conducting workshops, seminars, exhibitions, stakeholder meetings, and public presentations; Supporting activities related to the design, documentation, and dissemination of a full-scale demonstration project based on reclaimed building materials; Contributing to literature reviews, reference studies, and case study documentation related to circular building, material reuse, and material-driven design; Performing other project-related tasks. Qualifications To be eligible for this position, applicants must have: A master's degree in architecture or equivalent; Documented experience in circular building, material reuse, and sustainable architectural design through academic and/or professional work; Knowledge of building construction, building materials, and building methods relevant to Swedish conditions; Basic knowledge of building physics and material performance; Strong skills in architectural drawing, visual communication, and graphic presentation; Proficiency in digital design tools for 2D and 3D visualization (such as AutoCAD, Rhino, Revit, SketchUp, or equivalent); Proficiency in graphic design and layout software (such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop); Experience collecting, organizing, and documenting technical information and design-related materials; Strong ability in visual communication and producing high-quality graphic and written materials; Good communication skills and ability to collaborate with project partners and other stakeholders; Excellent ability to communicate both verbally and in writing in Swedish and English. Meritorious Qualifications The following qualifications are considered advantageous: Experience with research projects or applied research in architecture, building, or sustainability; Experience working with reclaimed, reused, or bio-based building materials; Knowledge of life cycle assessment (LCA), circular economy, or material flow analysis; Experience developing publications, handbooks, exhibitions, reports, or materials for research communication; Experience collaborating with external stakeholders, public organizations, or industry actors. Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities, particularly the ability to collaborate and work independently, as well as communication skills. Employment Terms This is a permanent part-time position (50%). The position is based at the School of Architecture, Umeå University in Umeå. Work will be conducted in close collaboration with the teaching team in architectural technology and the project's research partners. Application Applications should include: A brief personal letter describing your interest in the position; A CV of no more than two A4 pages; A short portfolio or selected work samples of no more than ten A4 pages. Applications should be submitted via Varbi by September 29. Additional Information For more information about this position, please contact: Julio Diarte Almada, responsible for research matters at the School of Architecture [email protected] Umeå University aims to offer an equal and inclusive environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives forms the foundation for learning, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences for this position. To staffing and recruitment agencies and to you who are sales representatives: We kindly but firmly decline direct contact from staffing and recruitment agencies as well as sales representatives of additional job listings.