Research Associate for Circular Economy and Resource-Efficient Energy Systems

Location: Imperial South Kensington Campus

About the role:

This role will work within the Theseus and StreamSTEP projects. Theseus aims to establish industrial-urban symbiosis (I-US) hubs, promoting circular economy models that integrate industrial, municipal, and urban resources. The StreamSTEP project focuses on optimizing resource-efficient energy systems in energy-intensive industries (EIIs), incorporating advanced digital tools, real-time environmental monitoring, and life cycle assessments (LCA).

What you would be doing:

This role is designed for a researcher committed to advancing circular economy principles and energy efficiency in industrial settings. You will contribute to frameworks for circularity, sustainable energy use, and industrial symbiosis, working with stakeholders to support policy development and technology deployment. This includes applying lifecycle assessments, greenhouse gas (GHG) avoidance metrics, and hybrid digital twin technologies for enhanced process optimization.

What we are looking for:

• Hold a PhD in sustainability, environmental engineering, circular economy, mechanical engineering, environmental economics, industrial engineering, environmental science or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience*
• Expertise in lifecycle assessment, greenhouse gas metrics, and circular economy frameworks.
• Knowledge of research methods to develop decision support systems for industrial processes
• Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature
• Ability to communicate complex concepts effectively to diverse audiences, including policymakers and industrial partners.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to work on two groundbreaking projects, Theseus and StreamSTEP, each addressing critical challenges in circular economy and resource efficiency.
• Collaboration within a dynamic, multidisciplinary team at Imperial College London, known for leading in sustainability and resource efficiency.
• Development of project management and leadership skills through responsibilities like coordinating project phases, working with diverse stakeholders, and managing specific deliverables.
• Hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies, including hybrid digital twins and advanced environmental monitoring tools, equipping you with valuable technical skills and insights into sustainable resource management and digital optimization.
• Extensive professional development opportunities, including publishing in top-tier journals, presenting at international conferences, and contributing to frameworks that shape industry standards in circular economy and resource efficiency.
• High-level involvement in EU-funded projects, offering extensive networking opportunities and international exposure to multidisciplinary, cross-sectoral research partnerships.
• A sector-leading salary and remuneration package, extensive training programs, and career development resources to help you achieve your professional goals.

Further Information

Please refer to the job description for full details and essential requirements for the post.

This is a fixed term post for 1 year.

For informal enquiries about the post please contact:

Professor Evina Katsou on e.katsou@imperial.ac.uk.

For queries regarding the recruitment process please contact:

Briony Webb on b.webb@imperial.ac.uk.

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds and disabilities. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the interview process and to perform crucial job functions, as well as other support including staff networks. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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