We are seeking a full-time Senior Research Associate in Just Energy Systems to join the Energy and Power research group at the Department of Engineering Science (Osney).  The post is funded by the FCDO and is fixed-term to 31 March 2026 with the possibility of extension dependent on funding.

 

The successful candidate will join the Climate Compatible Growth (CCG) programme and the Strategic Hydrogen Integration for Effective Low-Carbon Development (SHIELD) in Ukraine project. CCG is a £95m UK ODA-funded research programme running until March 2030, helping developing countries take a path of low carbon development whilst simultaneously unlocking profitable investment in green infrastructure, opening up new markets and supporting delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SHIELD is a £1.7m FCDO-funded research initiative that focuses on assessing the potential of green hydrogen and ammonia within Ukraine’s energy system. You will be responsible for working on complex engineering problems, such as infrastructure development, system planning, and design specification in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) contexts, working in fields of geospatial analysis, development economics, electrical and transport system planning, system modelling, multi-criteria decision analysis, data science, and machine learning. You will perform stakeholder engagement and on-the-ground data collection in LMIC contexts and manage relationships with high-level government officials.

 

The ethos of the Energy and Power Group is focused on developing individuals to reach their goals, developing real- world tools and techniques for sustainable energy systems and to celebrate diversity. A hybrid working pattern is normal practice for the group, along with a range of other benefits including:

You should possess a relevant Ph.D/D.Phil with post-qualification research experience, possess specialist knowledge of geospatial energy modelling and optimization in Python and GIS, plus experience of stakeholder engagement challenging geopolitical contexts.  There is the possibility to underfill at Grade 7 (£38,674- £46,913p.a.) if the candidate holds a relevant PhD/DPhil or is near completion (please note that ‘near completion’ means that you must have submitted your thesis) and has the relevant experience.

 

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Gemma Watson (gemma.watson@eng.ox.ac.uk)

 

For more information about working at the Department, see www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/

 

Only online applications received before midday on 20 May 2025 can be considered. You will be required to upload a supporting statement (3-pages maximum), including a brief statement of research interests (describing how past experience and future plans fit with the advertised position), CV (3-pages maximum) and the details of two referees as part of your online application. Interviews are expected to take place on 30 May and 2 June 2025.

 

The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.