Research Fellow

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to May 2028

Background

We are seeking an ambitious Research Fellow II to work on Energy Systems and Energy Demand Reduction. You will join the Birmingham Energy Institute, a vibrant community of colleagues working on cutting edge research. This is an opportunity to drive excellent research in energy demand reduction, as part of the UKRI Energy Demand Research Centre. Energy policy in the UK has a significant focus on energy supply. In this project, you will contribute to investigation of energy demand, particularly demand reduction.

Role Summary

Your role will involve data-driven modelling, analysis, and optimisation of energy systems, including electricity, gas and heat sectors, with a particular focus on energy demand reduction for industrial, domestic and/or transport sectors. You will particularly focus on unlocking the flexibility of demand in integrated energy systems, and examining opportunities and constraints for demand reduction (technical/policy/social/economic) for particular use cases.

You will have the opportunity to work with renowned experts across various disciplines related to the UKRI-funded Energy Demand Research Centre (EDRC). You will also collaborate with different regional and national policymakers and stakeholders, including Siemens, Tyseley Energy Park, OFGEM, DESNZ, and National Retrofit Hub.

The experience you gain in the role will give you awareness of the current and future needs of whole energy systems, including technical, business, and regulatory aspects.

You are expected to work closely with other research staff working within the EDRC, to communicate with the external project partners (including senior policy makers), and to collaborate on the development of future directions for this research activity. You will need to ensure delivery of outputs such as scientific journals, as well as activities which lead to impact. 

Main Duties

To plan and carry out research, using appropriate methodology and techniques. This will include:

• Pursue personal research including developing research ideas and winning support, including financial support
• Plan, publish and/or execute high quality research
• Project manage research activities
• Present high quality findings in publications and conference proceedings, and to project partners
• Supervise and examine PhD students, both within and out with the University
• Provide expert advice to colleagues and students within discipline
• Contribute to the management of research across the School, and Birmingham Energy Institute
• Actively manages equality, diversity and inclusion through monitoring and evaluation and actively challenging unacceptable behaviour

Person Specification

• A PhD (or near to completion), or equivalent, relevant to the research area
• Extensive research experience and scholarship within subject specialism
• Experience and achievement reflected in a growing reputation
• Demonstrated success in planning, undertaking and project managing research to deliver high quality results
• Extensive experience of applying and/or developing and devising data-driven modelling, analysis, and optimisation of energy systems
• Experience and achievement in research impact, such as policy influence or similar activity
• Experience of championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in own work area

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Sara Walker, email: s.walker.2@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

Closes: 18/07/2024

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