Internship

The University

At Durham University we are proud of our people.  A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. 

Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.  Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer. 

We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University.  Further information about the University can be found here.

Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page.

The Role and the Department

Department of Engineering is one of the very best UK Engineering Department with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students. Ranked 4^th in The Complete University Guide 2025, 6^th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and 6^th in The Guardian University Guide 2025, the Department provides outstanding course content that equips young engineers with the problem-solving skills of the 21st century. We have a long history and tradition of Engineering. Engineering has been taught at Durham University since 1838 making it the first course of its kind in England. The Department has played a key role in shaping the past of engineering education and continues to contribute to its future through impactful research and innovation.

Applications are invited for a Summer Intern in Mechanical Engineering with a particular emphasis on thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics. The internship project will focus on the analysis of heating and cooling demand of complex buildings and data centre, using building energy simulation tools such as EnergyPlus to assess thermal performance, energy use, and the potential for recovering and reusing data centre waste heat for space heating in adjacent or integrated buildings.

The successful candidate will work with real building data and develop simplified, physically‑based models to evaluate energy system performance under different operating scenarios. The work will also involve analysing the dynamic behaviour of energy systems and assessing the technical feasibility and performance of waste heat recovery strategies for low‑carbon thermal energy supply.

Prior experience with EnergyPlus is not essential. The successful candidate will receive guidance and training, and this internship is designed to provide an excellent opportunity to develop practical skills in industry‑standard building energy modelling software. EnergyPlus is widely used in both academic research and professional practice, and the skills developed during this project will be highly transferable to careers in building services engineering, energy consultancy, data centre design, and low‑carbon energy systems, as well as to postgraduate study in energy and sustainability.

The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong academic performance in relevant subjects and should possess an excellent understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics, with the ability to rigorously apply this knowledge to real engineering and energy system problems, using computational or numerical tools.

The intern will work closely with Dr Huashan Bao in the Energy Systems Research Node, Department of Engineering. This internship offers a supportive, structured introduction to building energy modelling, and is well suited to motivated undergraduate students who are keen to apply core engineering principles to real‑world energy challenges and to develop new computational skills in a guided research environment.

Responsibilities:

·         To support the research project through data collection, preprocessing, and preliminary analysis related to building energy performance and data centre waste heat recovery, under the guidance of the academic supervisor.

·         To assist in analysing heating and cooling demand and overall building thermal performance using building energy simulation tools (e.g. EnergyPlus) and established analytical approaches.

·         To apply existing modelling and analysis methods appropriately to engineering and energy system problems, with support in refining assumptions and interpreting results.

·         To document research activities and results, contributing to technical notes, figures, and summaries, and present research progress and findings through short written reports and oral presentations.

·         To participate in regular meetings and discussions with the research team, contributing ideas, asking questions, and communicating technical information clearly and accurately.

·         To identify practical issues or limitations encountered during data analysis or modelling work and discuss these constructively with the academic supervisor, proposing potential solutions where appropriate.

·         To contribute to the planning and organisation of project tasks over the internship period, helping to meet agreed milestones and deadlines.

·         To work collaboratively with research colleagues, developing professional communication skills and an understanding of academic research environments and interdisciplinary teamwork.

·         To follow good research practice, including maintaining accurate records, using computational tools responsibly, and adhering to health, safety, and data governance requirements.

·         To contribute to a collegial, inclusive, and respectful working environment in which all members of the research group are treated fairly and with respect.

·         To engage in professional development opportunities, such as training sessions or seminars relevant to research methods, computational modelling, or energy systems. 

The post‑holder will be employed to work on a defined research project led by an academic supervisor. While the overall research direction and objectives will be set by the project lead and the post‑holder will work closely with the supervisor, they will be expected to undertake elements of the work with a high degree of independence. This includes applying their technical knowledge, adapting established research protocols, and analysing and interpreting results within the agreed scope of the project.

Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1^st July 2026, and the post is for 8 weeks.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.  As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do.  We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct.  At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. 

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.  If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application.  If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply

To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we’re looking for:

Qualifications/Experience

1.     Enrolled in an engineering degree programme and have successfully completed Level 3 (L3) studies or beyond (or equivalent), with strong academic performance in relevant subjects (e.g. thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics).

2.     Strong analytical skills and the ability to apply thermodynamics, heat transfer, and energy balance principles to building and energy system problems, using computational or numerical tools.

3.     Demonstrated experience or training in academic coursework, laboratory work, or project‑based learning relevant to engineering research, including the use of standard analytical or computational methods.

4.     Ability to produce clear, concise, and well‑structured written reports, technical summaries, and presentation materials suitable for an academic research environment.

5.     Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to apply engineering principles to practical energy system challenges under supervision.

6.    Ability to work cooperatively as part of a research team, including active participation in meetings and discussions.

7.     Good time‑management and organisational skills, with the ability to plan tasks and meet agreed deadlines within a short internship timescale.

8.     Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to supervisors and peers.

9.     Ability to liaise effectively with research colleagues and project stakeholders within the academic environment.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

10.     Good spoken and written communication skills.

11.     Good digital skills including experience in using digital devices and apps including Microsoft 365 applications and standard digital communication tools.

12.     Committed to continuing professional development.

13.     Ability to solve problems and resolve straightforward issues yourself and as part of a team.

Desirable Criteria

1.      Prior experience with, or interest in learning, building energy simulation tools (e.g. EnergyPlus or similar), gained through coursework or projects.

2.      Experience with numerical modelling or simulation through coursework or project work.

3.      Familiarity with building energy systems, HVAC systems, gained through study or project work.

4.      Ability to collaborate effectively on group research activities, demonstrating initiative and professionalism.

5.      Experience of contributing to academic or technical research outputs, such as project reports, posters, or presentations.

6.      Interest in low‑carbon energy systems, waste heat recovery, and sustainable building technologies, with motivation to develop research skills further. 

How to apply

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above.  Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence.  Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.  

Submitting your application 

We prefer to receive applications online.
 
What you are required to submit:
•    A CV 
•    A covering letter which details your experience, skills and achievements in meeting (or the potential to meet) the criteria within the Person Specification  
 
Contact details 
If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, please feel free to contact Dr Huashan Bao at huashan.bao@durham.ac.uk, who would be happy to speak with you.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. 

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.