Senior Power Systems Researcher

Applications are invited for a Temporary post of a Senior Power Systems Researcher within Electrical and Electronic Engineering

The decarbonisation of the Energy System will play a vital role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and help mitigate the impacts of Climate Change. The technical and societal challenges inherent in decarbonisation are set to be enduring challenges of the mid-21st century and ones that will require a whole of society approach, encompassing academia, industry, government, and citizens.

The successful candidate will be involved in two projects : EMPowER and NexSys: The EMPowER is part of a project led by the UCD Energy Institute with the support of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications called EMPowER. The Emissions and Fuel Mix, Markets and Costs, Power Flows and Networks, and End Use & Rates of Uptake (EMPowER) modelling framework combines policy and electricity demand modelling with the power system and market modelling.

This research marshals existing competencies across the disciplines of economics, engineering, power systems, and policy to apply comprehensive energy and emissions modelling to policy questions and respond to analytical needs as they arise. NexSys is a newly established All Island SFI Strategic Partnership Programme focussed upon the transition to a net zero carbon energy system. It is a unique partnership bringing together a multidisciplinary research team, industry, and policy makers to tackle fundamental research questions to be addressed as part of the transition to net Zero. Hosted by UCD Energy Institute, NexSys brings together academics from nine institutions across the Island of Ireland (UCD, TCD, DCU, ESRI, Maynooth University, UCC, NUI Galway, Ulster University and Queen's University Belfast) to work together to meet the unprecedented scale and complexity of the challenges associated with the energy transition.

For this position, we are seeking a candidate to work on the modelling of future energy systems scenarios for Ireland. The goal of the work will be to contribute to establishing a roadmap for the energy system as it moves towards net zero carbon by 2050. The roadmap will consider the development of the energy system, including the electrical and gas systems considering technical, social and economic aspects.

The ideal candidate would be expected to have a thorough knowledge of the modelling of energy systems from an operational and planning perspective. An ability to formulate, solve, and communicate the results from complex energy system modelling problems is necessary. Previous experience in the construction of integrated energy systems models preferably involving cross-sector coupling and the use or development of modelling tools is essential. Experience in modelling cross sector coupling including the technical and economic aspects of the electrical, transport and gas systems would be desirable. The successful candidate would be expected to work as part of a large multi-disciplinary team including industry partners and actively contribute to the overall goals of the NexSys project.

Salary Range: €50,000 to €55,125 per annum

Salary offered will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Closing date: 17:00hrs (local Irish time) on 11th July 2022

Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time of 17:00hrs (Local Irish Time) on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system. UCD are unable to accept late applications.

UCD do not require assistance from Recruitment Agencies. Any CV's submitted by Recruitment Agencies will be returned.

Prior to application, further information (including application procedure) should be obtained from the Work at UCD website: https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/ .