Lecturer in Energy and Life Cycle Sustainability

About us

The UCL Energy Institute https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/energy/ delivers world-leading learning, research and policy support on the challenges of climate change and energy security.

About the role

The UCL Energy Institute (EI) is recruiting a Lecturer in Energy and Life Cycle Sustainability to significantly strengthen our research and teaching capacity at the intersection of environmental and social life cycle assessment to evaluate the environmental impact of energy systems across their full lifecycle. Expertise in critical resource reliance (e.g. rare earth elements, lithium, cobalt) for technologies like electric vehicles (EV) batteries, renewable energy systems. Teaching students to use LCA software tools for practical applications in analysing energy systems and resource flows, and methods related to materiality assessment. Collaborating with researchers from environmental sciences, engineering, economics, and social sciences to address complex energy and sustainability challenges. Publishing research in academic journals. Working with energy industry, government, or NGOs on sustainability and lifecycle management of energy systems. Developing a research agenda in coll aboration with colleagues, and contributing to teaching of our Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment MSc, Sustainable Built Environments, Energy and Resources BSc and MEng. The post is available from 01 February 2025.

If you have any queries regarding the vacancy, or the application process, please contact bseer-recruitment@ucl.ac.uk.

If you have specific questions about the role please contact Prof Catalina Spataru, c.spataru@ucl.ac.uk.

About you

You will have expertise in conducting environmental and social life cycle assessments (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impact of energy systems across their full lifecycle. Your knowledge should encompass key LCA phases, including inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation. A deep understanding of the resource implications associated with key materials used in energy technologies, particularly rare earth elements which are essential for electric vehicles (EV) batteries and renewable energy systems. Proficient in using LCA software tools such as GaBi, OpenLCA, or SimaPro and can effectively teach students how to apply these tools in analyzing energy systems and resource flows. The capacity to incorporate materiality assessment methods into your teaching. A demonstrated ability to produce high-quality, impactful research, as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed academic journals. Actively contributing to advancing the field of energy systems and sustainabilit y. Your experience extends beyond academia, having worked with or collaborated with energy industry stakeholders, government bodies, or NGOs on sustainability and lifecycle management projects related to energy systems. Passionate about teaching and can engage students in both theoretical and practical applications of life cycle assessment and sustainability. Experience developing and delivering taught modules on topics relevant to our teaching programmes that prepare students for real-world challenges in energy systems and sustainability. You will have a PhD in a relevant field that aligns with the research and teaching requirements outlined in the job description. You will also have excellent communication skills, and be able collaborate across a range of disciplines and stakeholders.

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