Research Associate for Territorial Metabolism and Industrial-Urban Symbiosis

Location: Imperial South Kensington Campus

About the role:

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to join our team in advancing Territorial Metabolism and Water-Energy-Materials-Waste (WEMW) nexus approaches. As part of the CSSBoost and Theseus Projects (“A First-of-a-Kind Hub for Circularity Demonstrator for Attica and Peripheral Regions”), you will use computational methods to simulate territorial WEMW dynamics, predict supply chain risks, and optimize resource flows. You will be involved in designing and developing a decision support tool that provides actionable insights into resource utilization, emissions generation, and interlinkages, empowering decision-makers to assess the impacts and benefits of implementing CSSBoost and Theseus solutions across the target region.

What you would be doing:

• Develop a Territorial Metabolism framework integrated with a WEMW nexus model to optimize resource interconnections across water, energy, materials, and waste domains; mitigating supply risk to enhance resilience
• Design and deliver a decision-support module based on this modeling approach to inform sustainable decision-making
• Contribute to project deliverables, reports, and academic publications
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to ensure practical relevance and impact.

What we are looking for:

• A PhD (or be near its completion) or equivalent experience in Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Systems Modeling or a closely related discipline
• Knowledge one or more programming languages (e.g., Python, R, C++).
• Experience in developing complex, multi-domain models (e.g., system dynamics, agent-based, or techno-economic models).
• Proven experience in leading the integration and deployment of machine learning solutions in industrial or environmental settings
• Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature

What we can offer you:

• Participation in a high-impact European research project that aims to revolutionize sustainable resource use at the territorial scale.
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams at Imperial College London, renowned for leading innovation in sustainability and resource efficiency.
• Development of project management and leadership skills through active involvement in high-profile projects, working with cross-sectoral partners, and managing deliverables.
• Hands-on experience with advanced digital technologies, contributing to innovative solutions for a resilient future.
• Professional development opportunities, including publishing in leading journals, presenting at international conferences, and shaping industry standards in sustainability and resilience.
• Access to a sector-leading salary and benefits package, extensive training programs, and career development resources to support 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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