Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Systems Approaches for Accelerating a Just Transition (JUST-Syst

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative research opportunity awaits you as a Post-doctoral Research Associate in a groundbreaking project focused on sustainable technologies. This role emphasizes a collaborative approach to expanding heat networks in Reading, engaging with local communities and authorities to foster a fair transition to net-zero. You will utilize qualitative research methods and have the chance to work alongside esteemed academics in a supportive environment dedicated to career development. If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact through research and possess strong qualitative skills, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent research experience required.
• Strong publication record appropriate to career stage.

Responsibilities

• Conduct qualitative research on heat network expansion.
• Collaborate with stakeholders for sustainable solutions.

Skills

Qualitative Research Skills

Data Collection and Analysis

Stakeholder Engagement

Academic Writing

Participatory Action Research

Oral Research Presentations

Creative Techniques

Education

PhD or Equivalent Research Experience

Job description

Closing date: 23:59 GMT on Sunday 8th June 2025

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. Successful candidates not already holding a Skilled Worker visa issued before 4th April 2024 will have to have been 'awarded' their PhD before being able to be sponsored. There is further information about visas on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

This is a Post-doctoral Research Associate opportunity and the successful applicant will join "JUST-Systems," a £5.6 million research programme funded by UKRI.

JUST-Systems is a multidisciplinary research project with an inclusive environment supporting career development, management, and transdisciplinary training on Just Transitions and systems approaches.

The research will focus primarily on initiatives to expand heat networks in the Reading area. It will be mainly qualitative, using multiple methods aimed at developing and evaluating scalable solutions. There will also be opportunities to collaborate with colleagues involved in quantitative and policy analysis to develop a holistic systems approach.

The activity involves close interaction with external organisations, local authorities, and communities, emphasizing a people-centric and local approach for a net-zero transition. Specifically, it explores how heat network expansion can contribute to a fair and inclusive transition, including co-benefits in housing, health, welfare, and local economies. The project draws on critical systems heuristics to engage stakeholders in co-creating and evaluating solutions for a sustainable future.

The successful candidate will work closely with Reading project leads including Dr. Martin Green, Dr. Mehdi Shahrestani, Prof. Libby Schweber, and Prof. Stefan Smith.

You will have:

1. A PhD or equivalent research experience
2. A strong publication record appropriate to your career stage
3. Qualitative research skills, including data collection and analysis, case studies, academic and report writing, stakeholder engagement
4. Knowledge of participatory action research, ethnographic methods, energy transitions, or systems approach
5. Experience with social research methods such as interviews, focus groups, workshops, and creative techniques
6. Experience delivering oral research presentations to diverse audiences
7. Experience producing research outputs and reports
8. Attributes: curious, collegial, organized, independent, disciplined, professional, personable
9. Ability to manage multiple tasks without compromising quality
10. A proactive, solution-oriented mindset for addressing challenges collaboratively
11. Willingness to travel within Reading and broader UK for research activities and meetings

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 18th June 2025.

Contact: Mehdi Shahrestani

Job Title: Associate Professor in Sustainable Technologies

Email: [e-mail]

Alternative Contact: Professor Stefan Smith

Job Title: Professor in Energy Systems in the Built Environment

Email: [e-mail]

The University promotes diversity and inclusion, supports the Athena SWAN and Race Equality Charters, and champions LGBT+ and disability equality. Applications for part-time, flexible, and job-share arrangements are welcomed and will be considered according to business needs.