Research Assistants in Biophilic Design and Sleep Quality

Grade E (£28,063 - £30,185 p.a. pro rata)

Part time (0.3

FTE) / Fixed term contract: 10 months

3 posts available

We are looking for three Research Assistants to support exciting research in biophilic design and sleep quality. To undertake research activities, including questionnaire development, survey administration, data collection and analysis, and the application of quantitative research methods to support project objectives and outputs.

Key Responsibilities

• Support research activities focused on biophilic built environments, psychology and user experience evaluation.
• Design, administer and analyse questionnaires and surveys to collect user feedback and behavioural data.
• Undertake data collection, processing and analysis using statistical and machine learning tools.
• Contribute to literature reviews, fieldwork and other research activities in line with project objectives.
• Maintain accurate research records, datasets and documentation, ensuring data quality and integrity.
• Support the administration and organisation of research projects, including communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Share relevant findings and information with the research team and contribute to project meetings.
• Keep knowledge and skills up to date through continuous professional development.

This role offers an opportunity to contribute to innovative research exploring how biophilic design influences occupant wellbeing and experience within the built environment.

About You

You will have a degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline such as Building Design, Psychology, or a related field, together with an understanding of research methods and techniques within building design and virtual reality modelling.

You will be confident using specialist software and research tools, with experience of data collection, analysis and interpretation. Experience working with platforms such as Revit, Unity, or EEG data collection systems would be advantageous, alongside strong bibliographic research skills and the ability to utilise electronic library resources effectively.

The successful candidate will be able to gather, organise and manage research information from a range of sources, maintain accurate records, and support research projects to agreed objectives and deadlines. You will have good problem-solving skills, including the ability to resolve routine issues independently and elevate more complex challenges when required. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a research team are essential.

Interviews w/c 9th November 2026

We are the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment (ADBE) at Nottingham Trent University. We make, create, design and build. We’re planners and problem solvers. We draw lines, and we break boundaries. We are 3,000 students, five departments and one school.

In the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, we stand half way between science and philosophy; and between tradition and disruption. We embrace theoretical rigour and insist on providing hands‑on experience for all our students. We celebrate design heritage, and we invite innovation.

We’re a nationally renowned stage for talent in making and design. We investigate the physicality of tools and tech, glass and grass, and bricks and mortar. We also explore the abstract excitement of ideas and creative philosophies.

For any informal queries about the role or the ADBE team, please contact Associate Professor Yangang Xing, at

• 30 - 35 days annual leave per year plus statutory bank holidays and 5 university…