Energy Innovation Research Associate

HIJOBS; Thurso; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking an Energy Innovation Research Associate to join their team based in Thurso. This role involves facilitating research projects, disseminating information to stakeholders, and preparing documentation for publishing. Ideal candidates will have a PhD or equivalent qualifications, along with relevant experience in the energy sector. The position offers a competitive salary between £36,066 and £38,641 per annum and includes generous benefits such as 45 days of annual leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

45 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

10% Membership Discount at Highlife Highland

Occupational sick pay scheme

Staff Support Programmes

Lifestyle savings scheme

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent qualification or at least 4 years of professional experience.
• Strong background in energy-related research projects.
• Ability to communicate effectively in various media.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to new and existing energy research projects.
• Disseminate information through workshops and webinars.
• Prepare documentation and publishing papers.
• Communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

Skills

Research project facilitation

Effective communication

Documentation preparation

Knowledge of energy sector

Education

PhD or equivalent professional qualification

First degree in a relevant field

Job description

A college + university like no other

With 19 campuses and centres across the North and West Highlands, Skye, and Outer Hebrides, we cover a geographic area larger than Wales, comprising 40% of Scotland’s coastline. Our campuses and centres are located within historic towns and villages, set amongst the shorelines, mountains, and moors, with local staff working across our region to support our students and communities.

Position

We are seeking an Energy Innovation Research Associate working across the UHI partnership to be based at our Thurso campus.

Responsibilities

• Facilitating and contributing to new and existing research projects, utilising specialised knowledge and experience in own area to interpret and meet requirements.
• Disseminating information to industry, government and wider stakeholders through workshops/webinars for KE, research and innovation purposes, with energy academics from across UHI.
• Involvement with the preparation of accurate and timely documentation, reviews, reports and datasets, and where applicable contributing to publishable papers.
• Communicating clearly, concisely and professionally, including producing effective written communications in a wide range of media for a variety of situations/audiences.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

The suitable candidates will hold knowledge, skills and experience normally associated with a first degree, together with a PhD or an equivalent professional qualification or at least 4 years appropriate professional experience.

Salary

£36,066 - £38,641 per annum

Location

Thurso

Working Hours

35 hours, Fixed term for 12 months

Closing Date

5pm, Monday 5th January 2026

Interviews

14th/15th January 2026 (initial interviews will be online)

Benefits of working for us

• 45 days annual leave per year (pro rata for part-time staff)
• Local Government Pension Scheme (Highland Council)
• 10% Membership Discount at Highlife Highland
• Occupational sick pay scheme and family friendly leave provisions
• Staff Support and Employee Assistance Programmes
• Employment Benefits Scheme including lifestyle savings and Cycle to Work Scheme

To Apply

For a full job description and an application form, download the pack at: Staff - Vacancies (uhi.ac.uk) or email [e-mail]