Graduate Research Assistant

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

This full time post is available immediately on a permanent basis. 

Summary of the role

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Graduate Research Assistant to support work at the Centre for Energy and Environment (CEE), a small but long-standing research group specialising in aspects of the built environment with a focus on energy and low carbon development.

Researchers at CEE are engaged in applied research and consultancy in the public and private sector and have helped to shape energy and emissions reduction strategies, planning and building design and contribute directly to decision and policy making in local and national government. Research at CEE is varied and may encompass energy use and renewable energy, transport, waste, land use and associated greenhouse gas emissions.

Projects are often conducted over relatively short timescales (weeks/months rather than years), so clear planning and good time management are essential. CEE can draw on data from government, published research or more directly using our own monitoring and assessment capabilities. Analysis is often supported with bespoke data processing and modelling using Matlab, GIS, IES, Visual Basic and spreadsheets.

Successful applicants will work closely with members of CEE and external clients to develop research proposals, undertake analyses, and present results in a variety of formats including technical reports and presentations. While research is often desk-based, site visits and travel to meetings or conferences could also be required.

The post is available immediately but with scope for a flexible start for the right candidate.  

About you

A first degree in a relevant science or engineering subject is required and may be supplemented with a postgraduate qualification and/or relevant work experience or placements.

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically. You may be also be required to prepare proposals and applications to external bodies. Research may be undertaken collaboratively as part of a CEE project team, or individually where project requirements and personal skills are well aligned.

You will be familiar with the climate change agenda including primary causes, options for mitigation and adaptation, and have some awareness of government policies. You will be expected to have technical knowledge and/or transferrable skills in one or more areas of interest to CEE such as low carbon planning and construction, renewable energy, energy efficiency, demand management, transport or waste. Relevant technical experience will be considered if it enhances the services that the group currently offers. Experience of working with databases or in programming environments such as R, Python or Energy Plus could also be an advantage, as could familiarity with GIS tools.

Much of the work carried out at CEE is data driven and you will be expected to have skills in data processing and analysis as well as the ability to distil complex or multi-faceted problems into component parts to prioritise actions and responses. You should also be willing to develop new skills and expertise where there are benefits to CEE and its clients.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024).  We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today.  More than 99% of our research is of international quality and 47% is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. 

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

Further information

For further information or to discuss the post please contact Tony Norton, Head of the Centre for Energy and the Environment. Please email [email protected] in the first instance