Research Associate/Fellow in Energy for Sustainable Development (fixed term)

University of Nottingham; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nottingham is seeking an ambitious Research Associate/Fellow to contribute to the African SCENe project aiming to enhance renewable energy access in low-income communities. The successful candidate will have relevant academic qualifications, strong research and organizational skills, and the motivation to contribute positively to sustainable energy practices.

Benefits

30 days holiday plus bank holidays

University closure between Christmas and New Year

Suitable support for career progression

Access to fitness and health facilities

Staff discounts and travel schemes

Qualifications

• PhD or near completion in social sciences, urban design or sustainability.
• Experience assessing energy access impact is desirable.
• Strong spoken and written English skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Deliver research on renewable energy in low-income communities.
• Manage project delivery and interact with industrial partners.
• Engage in overseas travel as part of project requirements.

Skills

Sustainable cities and communities

Human-environment interface

Impact assessment against Sustainable Development Goals

Organizational skills

Academic writing

Education

PhD in relevant field

Appropriate social science degree

Job description

Closing Date
Wednesday 18 June 2025

Reference
ENG147325

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an ambitious researcher to join our team working on a UKRI-funded project named African SCENe (Sustainable Community Energy Networks).

This 3-year project aims to accelerate access to adequate, affordable, and reliable renewable energy within low-income suburban communities in Africa, while also enhancing cooking facilities, clean energy awareness and education. Our vision is to make clean energy accessible to drive climate action and enable children raised in off-grid and informal settlements to reach their full potential.

We are looking for a Research Associate/Fellow who can deliver the research whilst helping to manage project delivery. Candidates must hold an appropriate social science degree level qualification and a PhD (or be about to obtain a PhD, which means the thesis must be submitted by the role's starting date) in a relevant field (e.g. environmental social science, sustainable development, urban design, human geography, community energy). An interdisciplinary PhD is highly desirable. PhD equivalence is acceptable but will need to be demonstrated through certified evidence of substantial training and experience that has qualified candidates to plan, direct and perform an independent research programme with substantial deliverables.

Ideal candidates will also have expertise in sustainable cities and communities, human-environment interface and the impact of energy access on people and communities. Knowledge and experience in assessing the impact of project outputs and outcomes against Sustainable Development Goals are highly desirable attributes. Experience of working in countries that receive Official Development Assistance aid is desirable.

The ideal candidate will also have strong organizational skills and the ability to interact professionally with industrial partners and work in a large multidisciplinary, multicultural team. The successful candidate will also possess excellent standards of written and spoken English, skills in writing academic papers, project reports and presentations, and enthusiasm, motivation and drive to embed new knowledge and to take ownership of the relevant work package within the project.

Candidates without a relevant degree and experience will not be considered.

The project will require overseas travel.

Further information is available in the role profile.

What we offer-

• A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment
• Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days (or pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year.
• Our reward scheme grants bonuses of numerous values for excellent work
• We are committed to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities
• You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more. To find out more about what we can offer you, follow the link to our benefits website

The post is offered on full time (36.25 hours per week), fixed term contract from 1 July 2025 until 31 December 2027.

Please note, we are not able to reimburse visa application fees and/or Immigration Health Surcharge costs.

Please contact Lucelia Rodrigues ([e-mail]) if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.