Net-zero carbon researcher

An individual with a burning passion for net-zero carbon research with capabilities that integrates relational quantitative and qualitative insights is sought to explore technology intervention options including renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency towards the decarbonisation of the UK manufacturing sector.
You will join the Computational Sustainability Research Group (CSRG), as part of the wider Supply Chain Research Group (SCRG) within the Organisational and Societal Research Directorate, WMG, The University of Warwick, to work on the energy modelling and techno-economic analysis of net-zero carbon options in the context of the UK manufacturing sector.

You will work alongside researchers in the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Group, WMG as part of the overall efforts in developing a decision support system (DSS) for UK manufacturing. By integrating economic and environmental impacts into a single framework, the proposed DSS will provide an ordered ranking of net-zero options for the CO2 emissions mitigation within a manufacturing sector. The tool developed will be used to identify and communicate trade-offs between various technology options to aid decisions that are informed both by environmental and financial considerations.

You will have proven level of numerical literacy with an aptitude for energy systems models, techno-economic modelling and a demonstrable commitment to research, including ability to identify research objectives, independence/initiative in formulating and tackling research problems, and ability to work effectively as part of a cross-functional and collaborative team.  You will have a good honours degree (2.1 or higher) and a Ph.D. in engineering/physical sciences or related discipline. Experience in modelling the energy saving potentials and conducting techno-economic analysis of a range renewable energy technology and energy efficiency options towards net-zero in the UK manufacturing sector is essential for this post.

We will provide a great range of benefits, which include an attractive pension scheme, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays and Christmas closure, some fantastic savings on a wide range of products and services, and excellent learning and development opportunities. At WMG, we are committed to supporting staff to achieve their potential. We currently hold the Athena SWAN Silver Award and the University of Warwick holds an Institutional Silver Award: a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression and success for all in academia. We are supportive of staff with caring responsibilities including a generous maternity/paternity/adoption/parental leave policy, and onsite childcare facilities.
We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis, even where a position is advertised as full-time, unless there are operational or other objective reasons why it is not possible to do so.

Interview Date - TBC

Application link: University of Warwick Job Search: Senior Research Fellow in Techno-Economic Analysis of Net-Zero Carbon Technology Options (104236 - 0721) (wcn.co.uk)

 

You will undertake research and manage/co-ordinate project activity in order to support the work of the Department, develop, and enhance its reputation, both internal and external to the University. You will assist the Principal Investigator and, where appropriate, project collaborators in the successful execution of the project.
Specifically, you will work on the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult-funded DSS4UKM Project, modelling the energy/emissions saving potentials and conducting techno-economic analysis, of a range of renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency options towards net-zero in a UK manufacturing sector.

There is some flexibility in the areas of specialism sought. However, it is expected that the successful candidate will:
1. Have a strong understanding of calculation methods for renewable energy technologies (e.g. CHP, solar PV) and energy efficiency options;
2. Understand the complexity surrounding the consideration of specific net-zero carbon options;
3. Possess current knowledge of UK and EU policies pertaining to net-zero carbon agenda, and
4. Possess experience in developing a decision support system.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

1. To establish a sound research base within the Department to pursue individual and collaborative research of high quality consistent with making a full active research contribution to the Department in line with its research strategy.
2. To secure, in collaboration with colleagues as appropriate, external funding through research grants or contracts to support a developing research agenda.
3. To manage research projects within the University, which includes supervising research students, technical and other support staff engaged in research.
4. To consider the value of research achievements within their potential commercial context and where appropriate and with the assistance of the Research Support Services, take appropriate action to protect such research results by patent application or copyright to the potential benefit of the University.
5. Where appropriate and expedient, to secure contract work to the benefit of (your) research activity and to provide resources to underpin this activity.
6. To publish research outcomes in appropriate journals of international standing and to publish and disseminate the result of research and scholarship in other reputable outlets.
7. To identify and explore with the Department and the University any entrepreneurial opportunities which may arise and to ensure that intellectual property rights are protected for the benefit of the University and the researcher.
8. To attend and present research findings and papers at academic and professional conferences, and to contribute to the external visibility of the department.
9. To contribute to the research plans developed by the Department, including providing such information as may be required by the Department to monitor the progress of each member of staff’s research programme and to support the Department fully in the preparation of material required for the REF or similar activities.
10. To help draft research reports for the Principal Investigator.

1) To undertake such specific departmental roles and management functions as may be reasonably required by the Head of Department.
2) To attend departmental meetings and to participate (where necessary) in other committees and working groups within the department, the faculty and the University.
3) To participate in relevant professional activities.
4) To engage in continuous professional development.
5) To undertake external commitments, which reflects well and enhance the reputation of the University.
6) To ensure compliance with health and safety in all aspects of work.

For informal enquiries about this position contact Dr Taofeeq Ibn-Mohammed (T.Ibn-Mohammed@warwick.ac.uk) or Dr Stuart Coles (Stuart.Coles@warwick.ac.uk).