At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful research in energy storage modelling and assess market trading rules.
- Company: Join Imperial College London, a leading institution in energy systems research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 41 days off, and excellent career support.
- Other info: Experience diverse cultures with secondments in Switzerland and Germany.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the green transition while pursuing your PhD.
- Qualifications: First Class or Distinction Masters in a relevant field required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Energy storage is set to be a pivotal technology in future energy systems. As such, understanding which storage technologies are most relevant at different scales and storage durations, their costs and performance, and the market arrangements within which they can thrive, is now crucial. This post will push forward knowledge on these issues, underpinned by improving the state‐of‐the‐art in whole energy systems modelling.
Within the framework of the project "Grid‐scale Energy Storage: Imperatives for Accelerating the Green Transition (RESTORATIVE)", funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe's Research and Innovation Programme under the Marie Skłodowska‐Curie Grant Agreement No. 101227219, at Imperial College London we are seeking a candidate for a Research Assistant position in energy systems modelling. The Researcher employed on this post will be expected to register as a PhD student and to submit their PhD thesis at the end of their research contract. The topic of the PhD thesis will be related and aligned with the research activities conducted in the project.
RESTORATIVE consists of 17 PhD students at 7 universities and 4 companies. The project has a total of 16 beneficiary and associated partners from 10 different European countries. All 17 PhD projects fall within the overall theme of grid‐scale energy storage technologies, but investigate the topic from different perspectives, including technological development, reliability and security, integration and coupling, socioeconomic and environmental assessment, and policy and regulation.
The post is based in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London. The successful applicant will join Professor Adam Hawkes' research group. The activities within the project will benefit from synergies with other projects in the group as well as with other activities at the department.
Apart from the time at Imperial, two secondments are planned for the position, i.e. one academic (up to 6 months in Switzerland at ETH with the research group of Prof Tobias Schmidt) and one in Germany (up to 3 months in Germany at Siemens Energy). In addition, there will also be project meetings and common gatherings and trainings with the other 16 PhD students in the doctoral network, including 3 summer/winter schools in Denmark and Italy and 2 online workshops.
What you would be doing
The position offers an exciting opportunity to conduct internationally leading and impactful research in energy storage modelling within integrated sector‐coupled energy systems. The Research Assistant will assess the storage from two complementary angles; one considering its value integrated energy systems, and the second considering the structure of market trading rules and ancillary services arrangements that the value storage provides can be accessed by the operators of the technologies. They will build on the open energy system models, creating an improved storage representation, developing scenarios of deployment alongside scenarios of variable renewable energy deployment, and assessing their impact on system cost. Through review and modelling of market arrangements, they will also quantify benefits to storage operators, and then seek optimisation of instruments to better reflect the value created.
The postholder is expected to visit the network partners during secondments for a total duration of up to 9 months (6 months in Switzerland + 3 months in Germany). Additionally, the post holder is expected to participate in project meetings, outreach activities including, but not limited to, participation in public events and campaigns, as well as dissemination to popular press.
What we are looking for
To apply for this position, you must have a First Class or Distinction Masters level degree, or equivalent, in a relevant scientific or technical discipline, such as engineering or sustainable energy awarded by College recognised overseas universities / institutions. Overseas applicants for whom English is not the first language must provide evidence of a satisfactory command of English before commencing the programme. Due to the mobility rules of the Marie Skłodowska‐Curie program, the applicant must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the UK for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date. As doctoral training networks aim at the recruitment and training of PhD students the preferred candidate selected after the interviews will be required to apply and be accepted onto the PhD programme prior to receiving a contract of employment.
What we can offer you
The Researcher employed on this post will be expected to be registered as a PhD student and to submit their PhD thesis at the end of their research contract. Grow your career: gain access to Imperial's sector‐leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression. Sector‐leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes). Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
Further information
This post is full‐time, fixed term contract to start October 2026 until September 2029.
Research Assistant in Energy Systems Modelling in London employer: SONICOM
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the field of energy systems modelling. As a Research Assistant, you will benefit from unparalleled career support, generous remuneration, and the opportunity to engage in impactful research while working alongside leading experts in the field. With access to international secondments and a network of 16 PhD students across Europe, this role provides a unique platform for professional growth and development in a world-class academic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Energy Systems Modelling in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Imperial College London, especially in the Chemical Engineering department. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into energy systems modelling. Brush up on recent advancements in energy storage technologies and be ready to discuss how they relate to the project. We want to see your passion and knowledge shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your previous work or projects related to energy systems. Whether it's a presentation or a portfolio, we love seeing what you can do and how you think!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Imperial College London.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Energy Systems Modelling in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences related to energy systems modelling. We want to see how your background aligns with the exciting research we're doing at Imperial!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for energy storage and sustainable technologies shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in the field!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's necessary, and make sure we can easily understand your qualifications and motivations. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and is considered for this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at SONICOM
✨Know Your Energy Systems
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in energy systems modelling, especially around grid-scale energy storage. Familiarise yourself with different storage technologies and their market arrangements, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of the field.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare to discuss any relevant research experience you have, particularly in modelling or energy systems. Be ready to explain your methodologies and findings clearly, as well as how they relate to the project at Imperial College London.
✨Engage with the Project's Goals
Understand the objectives of the RESTORATIVE project and think about how your skills can contribute. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach the challenges outlined in the job description, such as optimising market trading rules for storage technologies.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the research group, and the secondments in Switzerland and Germany. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals.
