Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Energy Economics and Finance

The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) wishes to hire a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Energy Economics and Finance. This is a three-year, fixed-term position. The successful applicant will hold an adjunct position at Trinity College Dublin.

The Institute

The ESRI, founded in 1960, is located in Dublin’s South Docklands area. Our mission is to produce high quality research, relevant to Ireland’s economic and social development, with the aim of contributing to knowledge and informing policymaking and public debate. We have approximately 100 staff including economists, sociologists and other social scientists, in addition to support and technical staff.

Energy and climate research at the ESRI

The ESRI has maintained an energy research programme since the 1990s, known as the Energy Policy Research Centre (EPRC). EPRC research covers a range of topics including energy demand, electricity markets, and energy efficiency. In 2017, the ESRI initiated a new, parallel research programme on Climate, Energy and the Economy to enhance the modelling capability of assessing the relationship between economic trends, policies, energy demand, and associated greenhouse gas emissions. The ESRI has strong links to a wide range of key stakeholders, and this research has been extensively used as input to policymaking and is expected to significantly influence energy and climate change policy in Ireland.

Role Description

The project will investigate forward market design for electricity markets and how they interact with increasing renewables on the system.

The project work includes:

• Analysing the role of forward market trading in the efficiency of the Irish electricity market
• Examining the incentives for all energy market players when renewable energy projects are increasingly covered by subsidy and/or Power Purchase Agreements, including but not limited to Contracts for Differences.
• Model future market outcomes as renewable power penetration increases
• Propose any market redesigns necessary to ensure efficient liquid markets going forward

The research team is highly motivated, and we seek equally motivated candidates. This workplan has been formulated to publish high-quality articles in top-ranking economics journals.

The candidate will have opportunities to disseminate their research findings to stakeholders, both in industry and to relevant government departments.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Successful candidates will have a PhD (completed or nearing completion) in Economics, Finance, Applied Maths, or a closely related discipline. Experience in the analysis of financial markets, derivatives, and/or an interest in energy economics, will be a distinct advantage.

Essential attributes:

The candidate will be expected to have:

• A background in economics, finance, applied maths, statistics, data science, operations research, or another relevant discipline
• Strong quantitative skills, incl. econometrics
• Research experience with at least one of the following: financial markets, electricity market design, energy policy
• Writing skills – demonstrated ability to write peer-reviewed journal papers 
• Presentation skills – present work at seminars and conferences in academic, policy or industry settings

Desirable attributes:

• Evidence of completion of policy orientated research  
• Demonstrated ability to work within a highly motivated team and on their own initiative.  
• Communication skills – liaise with funders in SEAI as well as with external stakeholders
• Experience working in financial and/or energy market trading

Location

ESRI, Whitaker Square, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2. Applicants should note that staff have the option of working remotely from their home in Ireland on a ‘blended’ basis with a minimum requirement of one day per week (or as business requires) based in the ESRI office. This arrangement is running on a pilot basis. Full details will be provided at interview.

Terms & Application Procedure

The role is full-time (35 hours net per week - standard working hours are 09.30-17.30, Monday – Friday; flexible working hours are supported). Appointments will be on a three-year, fixed-term contract basis and starting salary will be €49,325 which is the first point of the ESRI Administrative Officer (Higher) salary scale. 

To apply for this position please click the above “Apply” button. The closing date for applications is Friday, 09 May at 5.pm. All applications will be acknowledged. Late or incomplete applications will not be processed. The selection process will consist of a preliminary interview and, for candidates successful at that stage, a final interview, presentation and written assessment. The ESRI is currently conducting selection processes via videoconference (MS Teams or Zoom).

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are fundamental values in our Strategic Plan. We recognise that a diverse workforce brings a range of perspectives and experiences that foster innovation and enriches our research. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, irrespective of age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, nationality, marital status, family status, religion, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background.  As such we particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups.  

If you have a disability, please let us know if you have any requirements should you be invited for assessment /interview or that you wish us to account for when considering your application.