Research Fellow CEPREC

Project Title: Circular Microgrids: Circular Economy Pathways for Renewable Microgrids in Africa

De Montfort University (DMU) is an ambitious, globally-minded institution with a relentless focus on delivering quality teaching and learning, and a campus-wide focus on providing a sector-leading student experience. A culturally rich university with a palpable commitment to the public good, it strives to maintain a stimulating and inclusive environment where staff and students are able to thrive. The university is a vibrant, multicultural hub of learning, creativity and innovation that never surrenders to convention. Our success is built on a fantastic student experience coupled with award-winning teaching and world-class facilities that help students develop the skills and attitudes employers' demand.

Faculty / Directorate

Project Overview

Sub-Saharan Africa is grappling with a profound energy crisis, with over 50% of its population lacking access to electricity and rural electrification rates dropping as low as 5%. Addressing this disparity, the Circular Microgrids project is funded by UKRI under the UK Government’s Ayrton Fund—a £1 billion initiative to advance clean energy technologies and sustainable business models.

This transformative project leverages the principles of the circular economy to repurpose electronic waste from electric vehicles (EVs), such as lithium-ion batteries, power converters, and motors, for use in renewable energy microgrids. By redeploying these second-life components for stationary applications—including solar energy storage, micro-hydro systems, and energy controllers—the project innovatively expands energy access while reducing environmental harm caused by increasing e-waste.

Delivered through the Pan-African, multisectoral, and interdisciplinary Circular Economy Powered Renewable Energy Centre (CEPREC), the project collaborates with universities, governments, and industries from the UK, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Namibia. This partnership aims to address critical energy challenges by fostering sustainable solutions tailored to the unique contexts of underserved regions. The Research Fellow will contribute to the socio-economic analysis of innovative energy solutions and ensure robust statistical methodologies underpin the research findings.

Role

The Research Fellow will lead the socio-economic and behavioural research components of the project, focusing on data collection, econometric analysis, and dissemination of findings. They will collaborate with international, multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality outputs that align with CEPREC’s objectives.

Ideal Candidate 

The ideal candidate will be proactive and self-motivated, with a commitment to the goals of the CEPREC project. Proven ability to handle and analyse large datasets using software such as STATA, R, SPSS, or similar. Ability to adapt to evolving research priorities and varied project requirements as well as a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in research and teamwork.

For full details about this post, please view the job description and person specification.

Closing date: 19 February 2025

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