Research Associate in Energy Systems Modelling (2 Posts)

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Research Associate in Energy Systems Modelling (2 Posts)
Cardiff School of Engineering 

We seek to recruit two highly motivated Research Associates with proven intellectual and technical ability to conduct independent research, to join our team and lead our contributions to the following projects:

Project 1: Agent-based modelling of decarbonising the national energy system (i.e. electricity, gas/Hydrogen and heat sectors) in Great Britain.

Project 2: Modelling and analysis of future markets for multi-energy systems.

In their Cover letters, candidates must specify which of the above projects they are applying to. These posts are funded by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council in UK. 

The prospective candidate will be based in Cardiff and have the opportunity to work within a vibrant team at CIREGS research group at the School of Engineering. CIREGS leads a number of large research and development projects in the UK.

Successful candidates will further benefit from opportunities 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.  

The successful candidate also will contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of work in quality journals. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same. 

This post is full time 35 hours per week, available immediately and is fixed term for 24 months.

Salary: £34,304 - £40,927 per annum (Grade 6), it is anticipated that an appointment will not be made above point 30, £34,304 per annum.

Job ref: 14229BR

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

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

Date advert posted: Wednesday, 11 May 2022

Closing date: Wednesday, 15 June 2022

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.

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

“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

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research 

•    Successful candidate for Project 1 will work on an agent-based model developed by researchers at CIREGS for analysing long-term evolution of electricity supply system in Great Britain. The candidate is expected to enhance this modelling tool by incorporating the heat sector and its interactions with electricity system in GB. The candidate will then use the model to analyse the performance of a range of policies and incentives to decarbonise electricity and heat sectors in GB.
•    Successful candidate for Project 2 will work on modelling different market frameworks for providing flexibility from local multi energy systems to the power system. Furthermore, this project will include investigation of peer-to-peer trading of electricity and heat in local areas with district heating networks.
•    The post-holders are 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 develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
•    To attend and present at conferences/seminars at a local and national/international 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
•    Other
•    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

1.    Postgraduate degree at PhD level in Engineering, Physical Science, Economics, Mathematics or relevant industrial experience. 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

2.    An established expertise and proven portfolio of research within the following research fields:
For Project 1:
•    Expansion planning of national energy systems (e.g. power generation investment, decarbonising the heat sector)
•    Computer programming and model development
•    Analysing decision making behaviour of various stakeholders in the energy sector (e.g. policy maker, electricity system operator, power generation companies, energy consumers, etc)

For Project 2:
•    Local multi energy systems (e.g. heat and electricity)
•    Computer programming and model development
•    Energy markets

3.    Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field

4    Proven ability to publish in international journals / conferences and other research outputs 

5    Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies 

Communication and Team Working

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

Other

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

Desirable Criteria

10    Evidence of collaborations with industry
11    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, 14229BR.  

Job Category

Academic - Research