Associate Fire Research Engineer Scientist

Are you an engineering or science graduate or postgraduate, with computer modelling and coding skills? 

Do you want a unique career researching how the fire safety of New Zealand’s buildings can be improved, share this knowledge with the building industry and create benefit to New Zealand? 

About the company and the role -

BRANZ is an independent and impartial research, testing, and consulting company focussed on challenging Aotearoa New Zealand to create a building system that delivers better outcomes for all. BRANZ is located near Wellington. 

We are looking for an Associate Fire Research Engineer/Scientist to work in our Research business area.

A Fire Research Engineer/Scientist undertakes industry-good fire research, as part of the Better Buildings team. You would use your programming and statistical skills to mine data for meaningful knowledge in research projects such as “Fire Safety of Combustible Facades” and “Fire Risks Associated with Lithium Batteries”, and build electronic tools and resources for the building industry. You will also be keen on getting stuck into ‘hands-on’ lab and field activities. As this position is in fire research, lab activities often involve burning building materials and assemblies, from samples the size of a Post-it to small buildings. Like any fire, these activities can be visually spectacular but also require a lot of planning and development with attention to detail, and the experimental outcome can get a bit grubby sometimes. 

To be successful, you will need to not just produce research reports that might sit on a shelf, but also work towards producing impact and meaningful change that will improve buildings in New Zealand and building practices. You will have strong communication skills to reach a wide range of industry players. You will be driven to understand the needs of stakeholders and craft research outputs that are useful to them and use a variety of channels, for example written reports, presentations, web content, software and videos, to communicate with them.

You will receive training including guidance and mentoring from our world class researchers.  You will also work alongside other internationally renowned engineers, scientists and researchers as part of the wider BRANZ team. 

What we need from you - 

· Essential is an undergraduate degree in engineering or science; preferred is a postgraduate degree in these areas. We are also happy to consider candidates about to complete either of these qualifications

· Computer modelling, programming and statistical skills, ideally with experience using Python, R, Visual Basic, or other similar programming languages

· A practical approach and enthusiasm to make a difference

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to write reports to a publishable standard for a variety of audiences

· Personable with the ability to work as part of a high performing team 

What we can offer -

BRANZ has a large modern complex in Judgeford, a rural area less than half an hour from Wellington city. 

BRANZ is a great place to build a career with clear development pathways. We have a collaborative environment that provides support and encourages personal development. Some of the other benefits to staff are income protection and health insurance, a subsidised cafe and free onsite carparking. We also have an active social club and there are numerous opportunities for outdoor activities on our doorstep including walking, running, biking and golf. 

You must have the right to work in the New Zealand. 

To apply for this role, please upload a CV and covering letter.