Research Fellow - Maritime Decarbonisation

Virtual Bunkering for Marine Vessels Demonstration Project: This project has received funding as part of the “Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 4,” funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. It aims to produce a blueprint for the wider expansion of the electric maritime sector, responding to the Maritime 2050 route map for net zero.

This post will offer an exciting opportunity to engage with maritime industry partners and work across the region, linking to several maritime decarbonisation activities currently being delivered at the University of Plymouth (Clean Maritime - University of Plymouth). With experience and ideally a track record of working with vessel/vehicle battery systems, charging infrastructure and/or battery chemistry, the ideal candidate will enjoy working with others to define the best solutions to determine the applicability of electricity “virtual bunkering” in maritime fleets.

Experience of laboratory work and battery testing protocols (and associated models) is advantageous for this role. There is a requirement within this role that some travel may be required to collaborate with project partners that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Please refer to the job description for further information.

Primary responsibilities: 

• Perform electrochemical testing on various marine battery formulations to understand the cycling impact on overall battery performance and longevity, as a function of usage scenarios and climatic influences.
• Determine the operational parameters of marine batteries for optimal vessel-to-grid charging (via analysis of laboratory testing and remote sensor data), while maintaining battery health.
• Liaise with other team members and assist with the coordination of the project.
• Analyse and present to stakeholders, scientific, industrial, and public audiences.
• Write research reports and manuscripts.

Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Lee Durndell by email at [email protected] .

Interviews are likely to take place on Wednesday 6th March 2024 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis until 31st March 2025 due to funding.  There may be the option of a 3-month contract extension (April-June 2025), pending further funding successes.

Flexible working options including job share will be considered.

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities. A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here .

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+.

Job Description