At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research on hydrogen transitions and justice, ensuring fair benefits for all communities.
- Company: Cranfield University, a leader in energy systems and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on energy justice and sustainable transitions across multiple countries.
- Qualifications: Doctoral-level education in energy governance and strong social science research skills required.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to innovation and community values.
The predicted salary is between 37337 - 44906 £ per year.
Organisation: Cranfield University
Faculty or Department: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Based at: Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire
Hours of work: 37 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered.
Contract type: Fixed term contract
Fixed Term Period: For 30 months
Salary: Research Fellow - Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £37,337 to £44,906 per annum. Senior Research Fellow - Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £48,039 per annum
Apply by: 11/02/2026
About the Role
You will be advancing the development and application of socio-technical systems thinking and justice principles to ensure the benefits and disbenefits of hydrogen transition are borne fairly. You will be joining the Global Hydrogen Production Technologies (HyPT) Center, which aims to develop net‐zero and responsible hydrogen pathways across the UK, USA, Canada and Australia. You will become a member of the cross‐cutting policies, economics and market thrust as well as the UK team. You will lead social aspects of hydrogen infrastructure development and justice work streams across the four jurisdictions. You will be expected to evaluate incumbent governance regimes, including formal laws and regulations, against principles of flexibility and learning with a view to establish a set of adaptive governance principles and identify best practices. Analysing how the hydrogen transition may impact vulnerable or indigenous peoples, and whether it can undo past injustices, is a key responsibility. You will work and coordinate this strand of work with local partners across the four jurisdictions and support Cranfield's role in embedding multidisciplinary collaboration between technical and social science teams.
About You
Doctoral-level education in governance of energy systems, institutional perspectives on energy transitions, socio‐technical perspectives on energy change, energy justice, or energy policy and regulation. Excellent communication skills and expertise in social science research methods and development of new concepts and frameworks are required. For a Senior Research Fellow level, demonstrated ability to win and deliver research grants or manage research teams is essential.
About Us
Cranfield is a specialist postgraduate university with world‐class expertise, large‐scale facilities and industry partnerships that create leaders in technology and management globally. Our expertise spans Automotive, Energy and Photonics, covering motorsport engineering, autonomous vehicles, battery technologies, renewable energy development, and optical sensing research.
Our Values and Commitments
Cranfield's shared values underpin everything we do: Ambition, Impact, Respect and Community. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to flexible working options and have been ranked in the Top 30 family‐friendly employers in the UK.
Working Arrangements
Our Working Arrangements Framework allows staff to combine on‐site and remote working where roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.
How to apply
For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Prof Nazmiye Ozkan, Chair in Sustainable Energy Transitions, on 01234 45 7296 or n.ozkan@cranfield.ac.uk.
Closing date for receipt of applications: 11 February 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert prior to the stated closing date should we receive sufficient numbers of applications. We encourage you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.
Senior/ Research Fellow in Energy Transitions and Justice in London employer: Cranfield University
Contact Detail:
Cranfield University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/ Research Fellow in Energy Transitions and Justice in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the energy sector, especially those involved in hydrogen transitions. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your research and projects related to energy justice and governance. This can be a great conversation starter during interviews or networking events.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out to the hiring manager or team members on LinkedIn. Ask insightful questions about the role and express your enthusiasm for their work at Cranfield.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep it flexible! Be open to discussing different working arrangements during interviews. Highlight your adaptability and willingness to collaborate across disciplines, which is key for roles in multidisciplinary teams like the one at Cranfield.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior/ Research Fellow in Energy Transitions and Justice in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at Cranfield, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Showcase Your Research Skills: Since this role involves advanced research, be sure to emphasise your experience in social science research methods and any previous projects that demonstrate your ability to lead and innovate. We love seeing concrete examples of your work!
Communicate Clearly: Excellent communication skills are a must for this position. When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the point while still being engaging.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it makes the process smoother for both you and us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranfield University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in socio-technical systems thinking and energy justice principles. Brush up on the latest research and case studies related to hydrogen transitions, as this will show your depth of knowledge and commitment to the field.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating complex ideas clearly and concisely. Prepare to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated research findings in the past, especially in multidisciplinary settings.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
If you're aiming for the Senior Research Fellow position, be ready to talk about your experience in winning research grants or managing teams. Have specific examples at hand that highlight your leadership skills and ability to drive projects forward.
✨Align with Cranfield's Values
Familiarise yourself with Cranfield’s values of Ambition, Impact, Respect, and Community. Think of examples from your past work that reflect these values, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their mission and culture.