Post Doctoral Research Associate for Residential Air-conditioning Demand Futures (RADFutures) projec

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in the UK is seeking a Post Doctoral Research Associate to work on the Residential Air-conditioning Demand Futures project. The role is part-time and fixed term for 6 months, focusing on understanding the socio-technical characteristics of UK households with air conditioning. The ideal candidate will have a near or completed PhD and strong research skills in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

Qualifications

• Near or completed PhD or equivalent research experience
• Expertise in quantitative and qualitative research
• Understanding of energy use in buildings

Responsibilities

• Undertake quantitative and qualitative research
• Participate in project reporting and dissemination activities

Skills

Quantitative research skills

Qualitative research skills

Knowledge of energy use in buildings

Education

Near or completed PhD

Job description

Overview

Part time, Fixed Term (6 months)

Closing date: 23:59 on 5 October 2025

Interview date: 13 October 2025

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, non-UK candidates who do not already have permission to work in the UK should note that by reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship will not be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

We are seeking to appoint a Post Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) for the Residential Air-conditioning Demand Futures (RADFutures) project funded by the Energy Demand Research Centre (EDRC), supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). The position would be suitable for an experienced PDRA or a near completed PhD writing up or undertaking post-viva corrections.

Climate change is already impacting the UK. By 2040, extreme and prolonged periods of heat will become normal summer events. This is expected to drive an unprecedented rise in cooling energy demand, creating a substantial challenge for an affordable, clean, resilient and equitable future UK energy system. The aim of the RADFutures project is to understand the socio-technical characteristics of UK households that have already installed Air Conditioning (AC) and the pathways driving AC adoption. The project will conduct the first socio-technical study of AC in UK homes providing data to understand current and future domestic cooling demand.

Responsibilities

• Undertake quantitative and qualitative research and participate in project reporting and dissemination activities.

Qualifications / Experience

• Near or completed PhD or equivalent research experience
• Quantitative and Qualitative research skills
• Knowledge of energy use in buildings

Contacts

• Contact Name: Dr Rory Jones
• Contact Job Title: Associate Professor
• Contact Email address: [e-mail]
• Alternative Contact Name: Dr Alba Fuertes
• Alternative Contact Job Title: Associate Professor
• Alternative Contact Email address: [e-mail]

Diversity and Working Arrangements

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.