Research Associate

Advert

Research Associate in data-driven and agent-based methods for energy systems modelling
Cardiff School of Engineering

We seek to recruit a highly motivated Research Associate with proven intellectual and technical ability to conduct research in the area of energy demand and supply modelling. The candidate will contribute to two on-going research activities in CIREGS (Centre for Integrated Renewable Energy Generation and Supply): (1) developing an agent-based model to investigate decarbonisation pathways for heat and electricity sectors, and (2) estimating temporal and spatial energy demand (e.g. electricity, heating and cooling) in buildings in the UK under selected decarbonisation scenarios.

An ideal candidate would be a self-starter and a resourceful team-player with an appetite for working with the industry. The successful candidate also will be expected to contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by carrying out research leading to the publishing of work in high-quality journals.

About FLEXIS
Over the last five years, the FLEXIS consortium of strategic partners – Cardiff University, Swansea University, The University of South Wales, Neath Port Talbot Borough Council and Tata Steel UK, has worked together to successfully develop and create an energy systems research capability in Wales.
The aim of FLEXIS was to create a culture of research and innovation across Wales so that we are known across the world as a leader in energy systems technology. Part of our activity included driving innovation to create jobs and produce real economic impact. One of our key FLEXIS objectives was to create significant critical mass and attract new researchers to Wales.  https://www.flexis.wales/about/

The primary workplace for the successful candidate will be FLEXIS WEST office in Neath Port Talbot where the FLEXIS demonstration area is.

The prospective candidate will become a member of the CIREGS research group  within the School of Engineering. CIREGS leads a number of large research and development projects in the UK.
A research associate will further benefit from an opportunity to attend award-winning courses, workshops and careers advice organised by Cardiff University specifically aimed at researchers throughout their career to develop research and professional skills.  

This post is full time, available immediately and is fixed term until 28th February 2023.

There are Research two posts available.

Salary: £33,797 - £40,322 per annum (Grade 6). The appointment will not be made above £37,467 per annum, grade 6.33.

Job ref: 12188BR

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Meysam Qadrdan ([email protected]).

For further details about working at Cardiff School of Engineering please contact Karen Baldwin at [email protected]

Date advert posted: Friday, 12 November 2021

Closing date: Friday, 10 December 2021

This post has previously been advertised to employees of Cardiff University only.  We now invite external applications.

The School of Engineering holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. Cardiff University is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. For this vacancy we actively encourage women to apply. We will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share opportunities.

“Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/research/our-research-environment/integrity-and-ethics/responsible-research-assessment”

Job Description

Research

• To conduct research in the area of agent-based modelling and data-driven methods for investigating the decarbonisation of heat and electricity sectors. In addition, the post-holder is expected to contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including publishing in academic journals and conferences, and supervising MSc and PhD students
• To define research objectives and develop proposals for their own or joint research including research writing funding proposals
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
• To participate in School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions,   explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally  to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

• Postgraduate degree at PhD level in Engineering, Physical Science, Statistics and computer science, or relevant industrial experience.

• An established expertise and proven portfolio of research experience within at least three of the following research fields:

• Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field
• Proven ability to publish in national journals and conferences
• Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies

• Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
• Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals

• Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work
• Proven ability to work without close supervision

• Evidence of collaborations with industry.
• Project management experience

Additional Information

IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria

Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable criteria.
As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance, 12188BR.

Job Category

Academic - Research