Research Associate

e.construct
We are an engineering firm that specializes in providing elegant engineering solutions for complex challenges. e.construct is a fast-growing firm with 7 offices around the world. At our core, we question how the very nature of how to evolve the structures that we inhabit to increase their performance and value.
we design structures such as bridges, high-rise design, precast concrete engineering and post-tensioning design. The firm's core work is structural engineering; however, e.construct is increasingly holistic at its approach to buildings and it has divisions in MEP, Geotechnical and emerging construction technology such as 3D printing of concrete, technology and 3D laser scanning.
VAES.ai
We are a tech startup that is being incubated in the technology lab of e.construct and we employ technology to empower and eventually transform engineering. VAES’s mission is to reduce the amount of raw materials we design in our buildings and bridges by using optimization algorithms and machine learning.
VAES consists of a team of software developers, civil engineers, machine learning experts, architects and graphic designers that builds tools that engineers can use to design and manufacture the next generation of cities.
Role Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and dynamic Research Associate to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for growing VAES.ai thought leadership on issues at the intersection of engineering/construction, technology and sustainability. The role will include secondary research for business development including identifying and pursuing investment opportunities. The candidate will work with/and report to other researchers on the team.
Tasks involve performing market research, literature reviews, writing short articles, aiding in writing academic publications. We are looking for a candidate who can comprehensively collect data on a topic, analyze it, and approach us with new ideas/intersections/directions in the research. There will be an emphasis on two major topics:
1- Research that includes sustainability, structural engineering, climate change and the built environment.
2- Technology related to building our cities.
Knowledge articles around VAES.ai:
Work with the team to write articles revolving around several themes: our technology (for example how in a key project- our algorithms produced an elegant solution that our engineers did not predict), the industry (AEC and optimization algorithms), tech startups in the AEC, the built environment. Work with team members to generate articles around the tech they are creating.
Grants | Investment content
We are exploring grants from organizations/government entities that want to support technology that would be part of the movement in reducing the carbon footprint of constructing our cities, particularly the AEC industry.
Help launch tBE:
Can also support launching a beta of tBE- the built environment - a research platform collating research and creative work. This platform visualizes how we should look at research that affects the Built Environment vis-à-vis the natural environment.
As a growing team, there will be diverse activities needed to grow the startup, from assistance finding talent, (such as help source writers or a talented illustrator for illustrations, etc.). You might be asked to support or lead these activities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct academic and market research and analysis around niche and multidisciplinary areas, including technical content. 
• Create compelling content, including writing well-researched and original reports in multiple formats including; white papers, blog posts, and presentations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop visually compelling and easy-to-digest content of complex concepts.
• Synthesize research into patterns and stories, displaying a passion for unpacking complex topics and creating stories and narratives around them.
• Understand the startup’s objective and pitch ideas that align for its growth; including marketing opportunities and opportunities for press coverage.
• Understand the intended needs and potential of the platform, and take ownership of enhancing and bettering it by advising on its utility.
• Explore grant and investment opportunities by organizations/government entities that want to support technology that would be part of the movement in reducing the carbon footprint of constructing our cities.
• Conduct research and analysis on industry trends, market opportunities, and emerging technologies to inform the development of our thought leadership platform.
• Monitor and track industry developments, competitor activity, and regulatory changes to identify new investment opportunities and inform business strategy.

Requirements

• A degree in either research, sustainability, engineering, architecture, or similar.
• Minimum 2 years of research experience.
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills, with the ability to distill complex information into clear and compelling content
• Ability to conduct thorough and extensive research.
• A portfolio of your written work and publications.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
• Ability to organize outputs and meet deadlines.
• High attention to detail.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with experience conducting primary and secondary research and analyzing complex data sets
• Ability to gauge intended audiences and to tailor writing styles and content formats to meet the needs of the target audience. 
• Display organization and attention to detail by meticulously filing documents and ensuring that all text is edited and proofread before being sent for review.
• Display interdisciplinarity and creativity by storytelling with academic/scientific tilt as well as thinking visually to assist designers in turning concepts into technical sketches.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Location wise: can be remote but preference is Dubai/Cairo/Amman/Beirut, etc.