Research Associate/Senior Research Associate in Whole Energy Systems

Salary: 

Research Associate: £33,348 to £43,155 per annum

Senior Research Associate: £44,414 to £45,737 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 05 April 2023

The Role

Do you have a prior research background in energy systems? Are you looking to join a research team at the forefront of the net-zero transition? 

If so, the School of Engineering at Newcastle University has an exciting opportunity for you to contribute to challenging research projects on energy networks and hydrogen integration. The successful candidate will join the Supergen Energy Networks hub, which leads and directs energy networks research. You will collaborate with industrial and academic partners and policy makers to conduct novel research on energy networks and help to move it from concept to reality. 

The post-holder will carry out high quality research on multi-vector energy networks, using a whole-systems approach which encompasses markets, policy, and uncertainty. You will exhibit a willingness to publish your research findings in high-quality journals and present your papers at international conferences. 

You should hold a PhD relevant to power systems and a good Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.

For more information about the School of Engineering, and our research, please click here.

We are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment and we would be happy to discuss arrangements for flexible and/or blended working.

The appointment is fixed-term, tenable for 12 months in the first instance from 1st May 2023 and is available on a full-time basis (37 hours per week). 

To apply, please complete an online application and upload a CV and cover letter. Your cover letter is a supporting statement, and you should outline how you meet the essential criteria of the role and evidence this with examples.

For informal queries regarding the role, please contact Dr David Greenwood, NUAcT Fellow in Whole Systems Approaches to Energy at: David.Greenwood@newcastle.ac.uk.

Key Accountabilities

• Modelling and simulation of energy systems (e.g., electrical, gas, hydrogen, heat)
• Development of profiles for energy demand, generation, and storage, now and in the future, in collaboration with other project researchers
• Development of energy network models, with smart control, that integrate load and generation assets
• Evaluation of the potential for assets to offer network services such as flexibility and resilience
• Dissemination of results through journal articles, conference presentations and industry seminars
• Managing of large research projects; keeping track of deadlines and deliverables, be responsible for reporting
• Attending project meetings and presenting the group’s work

Knowledge, Skills and Experience 

• Skilled in using systems modelling tools such as IPSA/MatLab/Design Builder and optimisation tools such as GAMS/JULIA to model complex energy systems, buildings, and/or control;
• Experience in producing collaborative high quality research outputs, showing evidence of work of at least national significance;
• Experience in modelling and simulation of energy systems, particularly multi-energy vector systems

Essential for Senior Research Associate

• Experience of managing a complex project, or multiple projects, as a work package leader or investigator
• Strong track record in journal publications which evidence work of international significance
• Ability to prepare funding bids and proposals to support new research/business opportunities
• Experience in energy systems regulatory frameworks and policies
• Experience in energy system markets and relevant operations
• Experience of uncertainty quantification in network analysis
• Awareness of UK energy network structure and regulation
• Advanced skills in research methodologies and techniques for energy network modelling

Attributes and Behaviour

• Helping other researchers in a team environment, supporting a wider research group with interpreting data, managing competing priorities and developing research skills
• Commitment to instilling equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of your work, with a commitment to dignity and respect in the workplace
• High level of analytical and problem-solving capacity

Essential for Senior Research Associate

• Ability to provide leadership to research teams and the potential to mentor junior research staff
• Experience of supervising undergraduate and postgraduate student projects
• The ability to work autonomously
• The ability to develop key client relationships and industrial links to support collaboration on research projects

Qualifications

• PhD awarded in an area of research within energy systems, particularly in the areas of smart grids, buildings as virtual power plants, multi-vector network modelling or ancillary services provision
• Good underpinning degree in relevant field of science or engineering

Essential for Senior Research Associate

• Evidence of Continued Professional Development
   

Newcastle is an inclusive global University community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive Global University which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, as well as being open to flexible working practices.

The University holds a silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. The University is also a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID: 25135