PhD Opportunity: STEPs to End Energy Poverty through System Transition Engineering, Heriot-Watt[...]

Regional Studies Association; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A research institution focusing on energy systems invites applications for a fully funded PhD project in Orkney. The project explores residential energy consumption and its transition towards sustainability. Candidates should have a strong foundational degree in Mechanical, Energy or Power System Engineering, with experience in the utility industry preferred. A passion for energy systems transition and modelling skills are essential. Start date is May 2026, with the closing date for applications on January 5, 2026.

Benefits

Fully funded PhD fees and stipend

Qualifications

• Candidates should have a BSc in a relevant field and preferably a Master’s.
• Experience in the utility industry or energy systems engineering is ideal.
• Aptitude for modelling and a passion for energy systems transition engineering are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on residential energy consumption dynamics.
• Employ systems transition engineering processes to address energy poverty.
• Integrate systems thinking, modelling, and socio-technical perspectives.

Skills

Systems thinking

Modelling

Energy systems transition

Education

BSc (2:1 or higher)

Master’s in Mechanical, Energy or Power System Engineering

Job description

This PhD project delves into the dynamics of residential energy consumption, system flexibility, and employs the systems transition engineering processes (STEPs) to tackle energy poverty with novel utility network-to-end-use flexibility opportunities.

The research will integrate systems thinking, modelling and simulation, and socio-technical perspectives.

The expected contribution of this PhD project is pioneering approach for energy transition shifts for adaptable, forward-thinking strategies that enhance energy system infrastructure in urban areas, ensuring that they are not only sustainable and flexible but also fair and responsive to the needs of all community members.

We welcome candidates with a BSc (2:1 or higher) and preferably a Master’s, ideally in Mechanical, Energy or Power System Engineering, utility industry or energy systems engineering experience, aptitude for modelling, and passion for energy systems transition engineering. Candidates who are systems thinkers are preferred.

Funding & eligibility

Fully funded for students worldwide (3.5 years), covering PhD fees and stipend.

Closing date

Monday, 5 January 2026

Start date

Applicants should be available to start by May 2026.

Location

Orkney (ICIT)

While applications are open internationally, given the embedded, community-facing nature of the work in Orkney, Prof. Krumdieck would ideally like to work with a candidate who is based locally (or able to be based in Orkney). However, all high-quality applications are encouraged and will be considered.

Full details are available at this link .