Building Scientist
About RIC Solutions
RIC Solutions is Australia's leading independent consultancy specialising in the indoor built environment, restoration science, and insurance claims assessment. We work with homeowners, builders, insurers, government agencies, and restoration professionals to understand, assess, and resolve complex building issues across residential, industrial, and commercial properties.
Our team includes experts in construction, insurance, restoration, building science, microbiology, and environmental health. We deliver clear, defensible advice that stands up to scrutiny—supporting improved claims decisions, safer buildings, and better customer outcomes across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
About Your Mentor: Dr. Tim Law
Dr Tim Law is RIC Solutions' Head of Building Sciences and one of Australia's foremost architectural scientists specialising in mould and moisture management in buildings. With a PhD from the University of Tasmania, he is an Honorary Senior Fellowship at the University of Melbourne, with former positions as a lecturer and Course Chair of Building Surveying at Victoria University, and lecturer of Architecture at UTAS. Tim combines deep academic expertise with hands-on industry experience.
Tim's work has directly influenced the National Construction Code's condensation management provisions, contributed to landmark research on moisture-related building disputes in Victoria, and shaped Australian Standards for water damage restoration. He is a passionate advocate for building occupants suffering mould exposure and is committed to urging practitioners to exceed minimum compliance standards to deliver healthier, safer buildings.
Working under Tim's mentorship means learning from someone who truly "gets his hands dirty"—someone who understands how buildings feel and perform, and who bridges the gap between building physics, microbiology, and occupant health.
The Role
We are seeking a Building Scientist to join our growing Building Sciences team and work directly under the mentorship of Dr Tim Law. This is a unique opportunity for an emerging or mid-level professional to develop expertise in architectural science, building pathology, moisture management, and indoor environmental health while contributing to some of Australia's most complex and high-profile building investigations.
You will be involved in:
* Building investigations and assessments: Conduct on-site inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial properties affected by water damage, mould, condensation, or building defects. Identify causes, assess risks, and document findings with scientific rigour.
* Moisture and mould analysis: Apply building science principles to assess condensation risks, evaluate building envelope performance, and identify moisture pathways. Use diagnostic equipment and interpret environmental data to inform remediation strategies.
* Technical reporting and documentation: Prepare clear, defensible technical reports for insurers, loss adjusters, and legal professionals. Your reports will support claims decisions, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance.
* Remediation scope development: Design science-based scopes of work for restoration and remediation, ensuring compliance with Australian Standards (including AS/IICRC S500), the National Construction Code, and industry best practice.
* Client and stakeholder engagement: Communicate complex building science concepts to non-technical audiences, including insurers, lawyers, builders, and strata managers. Provide advice that is practical, actionable, and grounded in evidence.
* Research and continuous learning: Contribute to ongoing research projects in partnership with universities, regulators, and industry bodies. Stay at the forefront of emerging building science knowledge, codes, and standards.
This role suits someone who wants to make buildings perform better and understand why they fail—someone who is as comfortable interpreting building physics as they are explaining complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
What You'll Bring
Essential:
* Strong understanding of building physics, including heat, air, and moisture movement through building assemblies
* Familiarity with the National Construction Code (NCC) and relevant Australian Standards
* Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical findings into clear, actionable advice
* A genuine interest in building performance, forensic investigation, and occupant health
* A willingness to learn, ask questions, and challenge conventional thinking
* A current driver's licence and ability to conduct site inspections (including accessing roofs, subfloors, and confined spaces)
Highly Regarded:
* A tertiary qualification in Architecture, Architectural Science, Building Surveying, Building Science, Civil/Structural Engineering, or a related built environment discipline
* Experience in building surveying, building inspection, or architectural practice
* Knowledge of hygrothermal modelling software (e.g., WUFI, THERM) or building simulation tools
* Knowledge of coding in R, Python, etc.
* Understanding of mould biology, indoor air quality, or environmental health
* Exposure to water damage restoration, insurance claims, or forensic consulting
* Experience with research, data analysis, or technical writing
What We Offer
* Mentorship from Dr. Tim Law: Direct access to one of Australia's leading building scientists, with opportunities to learn cutting-edge building science techniques, research methodologies, and forensic investigation approaches
* Diverse and Challenging Work: No two days are the same—investigate high-rise apartment condensation issues, assess heritage building moisture problems, evaluate flood-affected industrial facilities, and contribute to research shaping national building codes
* Professional Development: Support for continuing education, conference attendance, professional memberships, and pathways to specialist accreditations (ACAC, IICRC, AiBEC)
* Research & Advocacy Involvement: Contribute to industry-leading research projects, collaborate with universities and government agencies, and help shape Australian Standards and Building Codes
* Collaborative Culture: Join a multidisciplinary team of indoor environmental professionals, restoration consultants, microbiologists, and building scientists who are passionate about improving building outcomes
* Certified Quality Systems: Work within ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001 certified operations, ensuring quality, safety, and environmental responsibility
About You
You are technically curious and genuinely fascinated by how buildings work. You want to understand not just what went wrong, but why it went wrong—and how to prevent it from happening again. You appreciate that building science is more than just physics; it involves understanding biology, occupant behaviour, construction practices, and regulatory systems.
You thrive on variety and complexity. You're equally comfortable conducting desktop analysis of construction drawings as you are donning PPE to investigate a mould-affected ceiling cavity. You see challenges as learning opportunities and are excited by the prospect of working on projects that directly impact building standards and occupant health.
You value mentorship and want to learn from the best. You're seeking more than just a job—you want to build a career as a building science professional who makes a meaningful difference.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing:
1. Why you are interested in building science and this mentorship opportunity with Dr. Tim Law
2. A building failure or building performance issue that fascinates you, and why
3. How your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this role
Shortlisted applicants will be required to undertake a report writing assignment for which they have 24 hours to complete with no AI assistance. It will involve solving numerical problems which will require calculations and graphing