Redeployment Only - Research Associate in Net-Zero Energy Systems

Cardiff University; Swansea; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in the United Kingdom seeks a Research Associate in Net-Zero Energy Systems to conduct research on renewable energy integration and storage systems. This role involves collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team and external partners on a funded project focused on optimizing decentralized energy systems using real-world data from low-carbon homes in Swansea. The candidate should possess a PhD in a relevant field and have experience in research output publication. Occasional travel is required, with limited hybrid work options available.

Benefits

Support for flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Established expertise in building energy systems modelling.
• Knowledge of renewable energy integration and battery storage.
• Proven ability to publish in research outputs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on renewable energy and storage systems.
• Develop research proposals for funding.
• Engage with stakeholders and present research findings.

Skills

Dynamic simulation model development

Research output publication

Effective communication

Team supervision

Creative problem-solving

Networking skills

Education

Postgraduate degree at PhD level in Architecture, Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

MATLAB Simulink

ESSM

PVSyst

City Energy Analyst

DesignBuilder – EnergyPlus

Job description

Overview

To conduct research on renewable energy integration and storage systems for net‑zero neighbourhoods and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high‑quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same. Research

Responsibilities

• To conduct research on dwelling‑level and neighbourhood‑scale renewable energy and storage systems using real‑world monitored data, and to contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by producing measurable high‑quality outputs including bidding for funding, reports, publishing in national academic journals, public‑facing guidance and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field and develop dynamic simulation models to evaluate cost and carbon benefits under time‑variable tariffs and grid constraints; and to conduct optimisation of decentralised energy systems in collaboration with the School of Engineering.
• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, including research funding proposals.
• To attend and/or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required; this includes coordinating and participating in workshops and dissemination events across the Swansea Bay City Region.
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate data management and timely reporting.
• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate.
• To participate in School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects.
• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions and regional and national bodies to raise awareness of the School's profile, cultivate strategically valuable alliances and pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities.
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Qualifications and Education

1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in Architecture, Engineering, Energy Systems, or related discipline.
2. Established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the research fields of building energy systems modelling, renewable energy systems and power system modelling.
3. Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field of renewable energy integration and battery storage systems at building and/or community scale.
4. Ability to develop and validate dynamic simulation models at building and neighbourhood scale using appropriate tools such as ESSM, PVSyst, and MATLAB Simulink.
5. Proven ability to publish in national/international conferences and/or other research outputs.
6. Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies.
7. Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication.
8. Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals.
9. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team‑working within work.
10. Proven ability to work without close supervision.
11. Experience with software such as City Energy Analyst, IES, DesignBuilder – EnergyPlus, IPSA, Pandapower or equivalent.
12. Evidence of collaborations with industry or/and local authorities.
13. Familiarity with UK housing retrofit and energy policy frameworks.
14. Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
15. Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.

Additional Information

The Welsh School of Architecture (WSA) is seeking to appoint a Research Associate in Net‑Zero Energy Systems to support a multi‑disciplinary team working on the integration of renewable energy and storage technologies at both household and neighbourhood scale. You will contribute to a collaborative project funded by the Place‑Based Impact Acceleration Account (PBIAA) through UKRI EPSRC focused on evaluating and optimising decentralised energy systems using real‑world monitored data from 65 low‑carbon homes in Swansea. The project aims to inform scalable, cost‑effective, and carbon‑reducing energy strategies for housing authorities and energy stakeholders in the Swansea Bay City Region. The postholder will be based on‑campus at Cardiff University and will work closely with colleagues from the School of Engineering, as well as external partners including Swansea Council and organisations in the housing, renewable energy, and network infrastructure sectors. Regular travel to Swansea and other UK locations will be required for workshops, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination events. Limited hybrid working may be considered.

Equality and Diversity Statement

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.