Research Associate (ERDL)

Title: Research Associate
Position Number:T
Hiring Unit:School of Architecture (ERDL)
Location: UH at Manoa
Date Posted: 08/20/2025
Closing Date: 09/14/2025
Band: B
Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time
Month: 11-month
Temporary/Permanent: Temporary
Salary Information: Minimum $5434/mo or $65208/yr

Other Conditions: To begin September 2025 or soon thereafter. Renewal dependent upon satisfactory performance and/or availability of funds.

Duties and Responsibilities

• *Responsible for focusing on Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation Research.
• *Advances research and provides extension activities and community outreach in the fields of sustainability and resilience in the built environment which includes but is not limited to adapting coastal communities to sea level rise and mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from building operation.
• *Conducts the planning scheduling budgeting implementation deliverables outreach and evaluation of applied research and extension programming in climate change mitigation and adaptation in the built environment. Work as needed after business hours weekends and/or holidays.
• *Supervises guides trains and works with researchers and student researchers (workforce development) on research projects.
• *Creates and trains others in creating virtual 3D models and renderings.
• *Conducts quality control reviews of others work. Applications include but are not limited to providing technical assistance for communities to identify hazards impacts on the built environment and potential adaptation strategies or space planning.
• *Conducts and trains others to write and edit; conduct literature reviews; create graphics. Potential deliverables include academic journal manuscripts; visually appealing technical reports; design guides; policy proposals; outreach and education materials; presentations; press releases; project summaries; conference proposals; award applications; and interviews.
• *Conducts and trains others to host outreach events to build relationships and conduct research.
• *Identifies opportunities and writes future research grant proposals on topics including but not limited to reducing energy use in buildings; passive building design strategies; grid-integrated buildings; energy codes and standards; renewable energy production; thermal comfort with climate change; building performance simulation; AIA 2030; passive survivability; resilience hubs; building information modeling; and other subjects.
• *Participates in training and continuing education such as American Institute Architects courses U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate etc.
• Other tasks as required.

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree in architecture or related field and 3 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities in a field related to the design of the built environments (e.g. architecture planning design and construction fields); or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education knowledge skills and abilities as indicated
• Considerable working knowledge of principles practices and techniques in the area of design of the built environments (e.g. architecture planning design and construction fields) as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts principles and methodologies.
• Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws rules regulations and theories and systems associated with design of the built environments (e.g. architecture planning design and construction fields).
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective innovative and timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations groups team leaders and members and individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer apply word processing software including Microsoft Word PowerPoint Excel and proficiency in general computer and architectural digital software such as architectural/urban three-dimension (3D) modeling and rendering (e.g. Rhino Revit and Lumion); Adobe Photoshop Adobe Creative Cloud InDesign and/or Illustrator GIS CAD and Sketchup.
• If applicable for supervisory work demonstrated ability to lead subordinates manage work priorities and projects and manage employee relations.
• Demonstrated professional and/or academic experience with architecture building science passive design sea level rise science adaptation to sea level rise environmental design and building energy policy academic research and writing and project management.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of or strong desire to learn about international national and local climate change science policy and initiatives as well as building performance simulation.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately graphically by preparation of academic manuscripts technical reports layperson communications and other materials.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills a record of congenial teamwork and experience collaborating with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated evidence of successful continuing education and professional development.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with limited supervision present clear progress reports and plan next steps.
• Demonstrated ability to host outreach events site visits presentations travel (e.g. conferences) modify office layout etc.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and manage digital file storage.
• Proven evidence of well-developed research and design skills.
• Proven ability to maintain high research and professional standards.
• Proven ability to generate independent studies project documentation and research reports
• Proven ability to exercises professional independent judgment in determining the approach and methods necessary to carry out complex assignments of considerable difficulty.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to exercises independent judgment discretion perform complex tasks prioritize tasks multi-task see tasks through completion and meet hard deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively with UHCDC leaders UH faculty staff and students external partners the general community and present to a variety of audiences.
• Experience in project management including administering project budgets and timelines and all project communication.
• Ability to work after business hours weekends and/or holidays as needed.

• Masters Degree from an NAAB-accredited college or university in Architecture Planning Environmental Design or related field
• Doctorate Degree from an NAAB-accredited college or university inArchitecture Planning Environmental Design or related field.
• Additional years of related professional or academic experience.
• In-depth knowledge of or experience with sea level rise coastal hazards and flood mitigation.
• In-depth knowledge of or experience with building energy efficiency grid-integrated buildings energy codes stretch codes building performance standards and energy policy.
• Working knowledge of using ArcGIS (e.g. to create two-dimensional (2D) maps or 3D models).
• Familiarity with creating web pages particularly in WordPress.
• LEED Green Associate or Accredited Professional.
• American Institute of Architects Certificate in Resilience and Adaptation.
• Additional professional credentials related to job duties.