Professor/Reader/Senior Lecturer/Lecturer of Clean Power in London

The University of Strathclyde has been awarded significant funding by UK Research and Innovation’s Global Talent Fund to recruit leading international researchers in areas of national and global strategic importance. As one of only 12 UK institutions to secure this highly prestigious investment, Strathclyde is uniquely positioned to accelerate its world-class strengths at the intersection of research excellence, industry collaboration and societal impact.

The University has an established track record of excellence in power and energy research, innovation and demonstration, attracting recognition including two Queens Anniversary Prizes, operating multiple national EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training, and establishing industry facing innovation centres PNDC and ANZIC. Central to that has been the Institute for Energy and Environment (InstEE), a research institute of over 200 team members operating from the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering and collaborating across multiple disciplines.

The Faculty now welcomes an appointment to lead the development of new research streams fit for the next stage of sectoral decarbonisation, encompassing new modes of academic/industrial collaboration, and harnessing the potential of emerging tools and techniques. Appointments will be made at a level appropriate to a successful candidate’s experience and career stage.

The role requires an experienced Academic leader with a track record of forming and leading major research initiatives with the power sector, and an international reputation for research excellence in either one of the following two areas of clean power: electrical power system dynamics, or wind energy aerodynamics. Experienced in shaping research strategies and securing stakeholder buy-in, you will be able to demonstrate success in leading the shaping of academic teams and programmes at scale.

You will have a clear understanding of power systems operations and resilience, the operational challenges of IBR dominated grids, and pathways by which research advances can be usefully and reliably deployed. Applications at an earlier stage in their career will be expected to be able to demonstrate an emerging track record that reflects the above.

The successful candidate will lead the formation of a vision and strategy for research excellence in their area of specialism that will inform, lead and support the next phase of transition in the energy sector towards net zero targets. This will build on established partnerships and emerging opportunities, and be realised through strong working relationships with University research leaders and senior officers, innovation centre directors, and strategic partners.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate how they have led similar research programme growth in the past resulting in sustained success. A clear understanding of energy sector trends and challenges both internationally and in the UK will be evident, and with a proven ability to translate industrial challenges into structured research programmes you will be able to demonstrate methodologies for the formation of appropriate strategies for impactful research partnerships for the next decade.

The role will report to the Director of InstEE with regular engagement with senior institute academics, and with regular cross University reporting and engagement with the Dean of Engineering. Throughout, the approach adopted will be in accordance with Strathclyde’s values. With excellent leadership and team working skills, you will work closely with academic team and innovation centre leaders to ensure collegiate and collaborative approaches are formed and team members encouraged and supported.

To be considered for this role you will have a PhD in a relevant engineering/science discipline with substantial experience of academic and industrial programme leadership. You will have an established international reputation in your area of clean power specialisation with an outstanding track record of industrial impact and academic institution value.