At a Glance
- Tasks: Use GIS and data analytics to create a decision support system for local energy solutions.
- Company: Bangor University’s Business School in partnership with Community Energy Wales.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a chance to make a real-world impact.
- Other info: Flexible work-life balance and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Empower communities and contribute to Wales’ net-zero goals through innovative tech.
- Qualifications: PhD-level education or equivalent experience in spatial data and web development.
The predicted salary is between 38249 - 45413 £ per year.
Applications are invited for an innovative, temporary full‑time position working with Bangor University's Business School in collaboration with Community Energy Wales. Are you passionate about applying cutting‑edge GIS and data analytics to tackle climate change and empower communities? This role offers a unique opportunity to make a real‑world impact by developing a groundbreaking online decision support system to help communities across Wales design their own Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES).
In this exciting position, you'll collaborate with leading academics and practitioners to integrate complex geographic datasets, design and implement a user‑friendly web application, and transform how communities identify and plan local renewable energy solutions. This SMART Partnership project combines academic rigour with societal benefit in a fast‑growing sustainability and clean energy space.
The ideal candidate will bring creativity and technical expertise, applying their skills in GIS, spatial data analysis, and web application development while building valuable connections across academia, industry, and community organisations. This is a rare opportunity to see your technical work directly empower grassroots action, influence renewable energy adoption, and contribute to Wales’ net‑zero goals.
Qualifications
- Candidate should be educated at least to PhD standard or be close to the completion of or possess equivalent experience relevant to the role in a related field, with expertise in spatial data processing and web application development.
- Strong Python programming skills and familiarity with GIS tools (ArcGIS, QGIS, PostGIS) are essential.
- Experience with JavaScript frameworks (e.g. React) is highly desirable.
- The successful candidate will be self‑motivated, able to work independently, and possess excellent communication skills to engage with technical and non‑technical audiences.
Working Conditions
The successful candidate will be expected to commence on 1st July 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, and the post is available until 30th June 2027. The role will be hybrid, with flexibility to work from home, Bangor University, and Community Energy Wales offices (preferred North Wales base). Through our Dynamic Working framework, there is flexibility to support work‑life balance, which will be discussed further with candidates at interview. The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post.
Salary £38,249 to £45,413. Grade 7
Equal Opportunity Committed To Equal Opportunities.
Research Officer employer: Bangor University
Bangor University’s Business School offers an exceptional work environment for the Research Officer role, where innovation meets community impact. With a strong commitment to sustainability and clean energy, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that fosters professional growth through partnerships with leading academics and practitioners. The hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a difference in local communities across Wales.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Bangor University or Community Energy Wales. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews – it’s all about making those connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your GIS projects and web applications. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can tackle climate change with your technical expertise. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience that aligns with the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your communication skills. You’ll need to explain complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Practice explaining your past projects in simple terms – it’ll help you stand out as a candidate who can bridge the gap!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Don’t forget to tailor your application to highlight how your skills can contribute to the Smart Local Energy Systems project!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for tackling climate change and empowering communities shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at StudySmarter and the role's objectives.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to showcase your expertise in GIS, spatial data analysis, and web application development. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their technical skills, especially in Python and JavaScript frameworks, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application:Customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Research Officer role. We appreciate when applicants take the time to connect their experiences to the job description, showing us why you’re the perfect fit.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on making a real-world impact!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bangor University
✨Know Your GIS and Data Analytics
Make sure you brush up on your GIS skills and data analytics knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've applied these skills, especially in relation to climate change or community empowerment. This will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with Python, GIS tools like ArcGIS or QGIS, and any web application development you've done. If you've worked with JavaScript frameworks like React, highlight that too! Bring examples of your work or projects to demonstrate your capabilities.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since you'll be engaging with both technical and non-technical audiences, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Think about how you can make your past experiences relatable to someone who might not have a technical background. Good communication is key!
✨Embrace the Hybrid Work Model
Familiarise yourself with the hybrid working model and be prepared to discuss how you can balance working from home and in the office. Show enthusiasm for the flexibility offered and how it aligns with your work-life balance needs. This will demonstrate your adaptability and commitment to the role.
