Research Assistant/Research Associate

UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC); City Of London; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Newcastle-upon-Tyne is seeking a dedicated researcher to contribute to power and energy systems research. This full-time, fixed-term position will focus on enhancing energy system resilience through collaborative EPSRC projects. Ideal candidates will have relevant experience and a passion for energy research. The role offers opportunities to work within a vibrant research community on innovative climate-resilient energy solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience in power and energy systems is required.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to broader research activities on power and energy systems.
• Collaborate on strategic EPSRC projects.
• Engage with the Centre for Energy.

Job description

Overview

Newcastle University – School of Engineering

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

Salary: £33,002 to £46,049 per annum

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 23rd October 2025 • Closes: 13th November 2025

Projects and purpose

• ResTOrES (Resilience Toolkit for Offshore Energy Systems): will develop, test, and demonstrate a prototype resilience assessment toolkit for offshore energy systems. The toolkit will enable the quantification of resilience in terms of appropriate metrics during standard operation (primarily governed by system reliability) and extreme events (primarily governed by robustness and restoration). The project is funded through an EPSRC call to accelerate research outcomes to achieve a prosperous net-zero and is supported by industrial and government partners, including Equinor, Ofgem, and Kinewell Energy.
• RENEW (Climate Resilient Heat Electrification for Net-Zero Emission Whole Energy): brings together experts to enhance the UK’s energy system resilience through a whole-system analysis approach. Building on the proven WeSIM model, RENEW will upgrade its capabilities to incorporate electrified district heating and simulate the impacts of extreme weather using future-looking climate-based projections. It aims to identify cost-effective, climate-resilient investment pathways for the GB’s whole energy system. The project is supported by national and regional stakeholders, including the Association for Decentralised Energy, Birmingham Energy Institute, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, Energy Demand Research Centre, Met Office, Newcastle City Council and Northern Powergrid.

Responsibilities

Your core responsibilities will include contributing to broader research activities on power and energy systems within the Electrical Power group. You will have the opportunity to contribute to other strategic EPSRC projects such as the Supergen Energy Networks Hub and Energy Demand Research Centre. Additional collaboration and research opportunities will be available through the Centre for Energy.

Role details

The post is full-time, fixed-term for the duration of 24 months.

A start date as close to 1st November 2025 is preferred, although a later start can be discussed. You will be based in the newly renovated Stephenson building, located on Newcastle University’s campus in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.

Find out more and apply.