Postdoctoral Research Associate in Carbon-Neutral Demand Forecasting

The University of Sydney; Sydney; On-site; AUD 114,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sydney invites applications for two Postdoctoral Research Associate positions to work on a carbon-neutral energy demand forecasting project funded by the ARC, in partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. You will contribute to DEEPSyM-Grid, enabling high-resolution, bottom-up demand modelling and scenario analysis for Australia’s energy transition.

Based in the School of Electrical and Information Engineering and the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, you will

Qualifications

• PhD or near completion in a relevant energy field.
• Strong expertise in at least one of demand modelling, energy systems optimisation, agent-based modelling or techno-economic forecasting.
• Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis.
• Experience with energy modelling tools and uncertainty analysis.
• Proven ability to conduct independent and collaborative research and publish in international journals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a demand forecasting framework within the DEEPSyM-Grid platform.
• Conduct scenario-based analysis and quantify projection uncertainty.
• Collaborate with industry partners (e.g., MHI) to validate modelling assumptions.
• Align demand modelling with supply-side planning tools (e.g., Plexos).
• Disseminate research via journals, conferences and policy briefings.

Skills

Demand modelling

Energy optimisation

Agent-based modelling

Techno-economic forecasting

Scientific programming

Data analysis

Uncertainty analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Academic writing

Education

PhD (or near completion) in power and energy systems, process systems engineering, industrial decarbonisation, energy economics, or related

Tools

PLEXOS

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Carbon-Neutral Demand Forecasting

• 2 x Full time, 3 year Fixed-Term positions available
• Located at the Faculty of Engineering, Camperdown Campus
• Base Salary $113,634 - $125,896 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

An exciting opportunity exists for two Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on an Australian Research Council (ARC) funded research project in carbon-neutral energy demand forecasting, in partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). This project supports infrastructure planning and policy for a net-zero future by developing a high-resolution, bottom-up model of future energy demand that incorporates electrification, fuel switching (hydrogen and ammonia), and behavioural change.

You will contribute to the design and implementation of the DEEPSyM-Grid platform, previously developed in collaboration between the University of Sydney and MHI, enabling precinct-scale modelling of clean energy demand and scenario-based analysis for Australia's energy transition.

You will be jointly based in the University of Sydney School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, led by Profs. Gregor Verbic and Ali Abbas.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Develop, implement, and maintain an agent-based and engineering-driven demand forecasting framework within the DEEPSyM-Grid platform
• Undertake scenario-based analysis and quantify uncertainty in demand projections (e.g. policy settings, technology adoption)
• Engage with industry stakeholders, including MHI and other project partners, to co-design and validate modelling assumptions and outputs
• Align demand modelling with supply-side system planning tools (e.g. PLEXOS) in collaboration with industry partners
• Disseminate research through high-quality journal articles, conference papers, workshops, and policy briefings

About you

The University values courage and creativity, openness and engagement, inclusion and diversity, and respect and integrity. As such, we seek a Postdoctoral Research Associate who has:

• A PhD (or near completion) in power and energy systems, process systems engineering, industrial decarbonisation, energy economics, or a related discipline
• Strong expertise in at least one of: demand modelling, energy systems optimisation, agent-based modelling, or techno-economic forecasting
• Proficiency in scientific programming (preferably Julia, Python or Matlab)
• Competence in data analysis and probabilistic modelling techniques
• Experience with energy modelling tools (Plexos knowledge is a plus)
• Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality research independently and in collaborative settings
• Experience in writing and publishing research in international peer-reviewed journals
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Prior experience working with industry or government stakeholders is desirable

Pre-employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University's obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.