At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in groundbreaking research on hydrogen integration for net-zero transitions.
- Company: University of Birmingham, a leader in engineering and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality, inclusion, and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on energy systems while gaining valuable research experience.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and practical experience in quantitative research methods.
The predicted salary is between 33002 - 35908 € per year.
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906. As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 6, salary £39,906.
Part Time (7.5 hours per week)
Fixed Term contract up to December 2026
Closing date: 26th May 2026
Background
To assist in research (by carrying out data collection or analyses) to create knowledge through providing research support for projects and research groups. The post will assist delivery of EPSRC (through HI-ACT) project WHISPER (Whole-System Hydrogen Integration in Supporting Place-Based Equitable Net-Zero Transition). The project examines East Birmingham and the Orkney Islands as contrasting urban and remote island contexts. It links energy demand, network, building stock, renewable generation and socio-economic data with whole-system modelling, hydrogen life-cycle assessment, community investment analysis and stakeholder workshops. The Research Associate will provide focused research support across data, modelling, scenario preparation and engagement outputs.
Role Summary
- Work within specified research grants and/or projects
- Operate within area of specialism
- Contribute to publications
- Support the WHISPER research grant through data assembly, cleaning and preprocessing.
- Apply quantitative analysis to energy, network, building, renewable, socio-economic and fuel cost datasets.
- Prepare clustering outputs and vulnerability profiles for equity-sensitive modelling.
- Prepare scenario inputs for electricity, heat and hydrogen modelling under Clean Power 2035 and Net Zero 2050 assumptions.
- Assist with analysis of community hydrogen investment, financial allocation, hydrogen life-cycle assessment and low-carbon certificate accounting.
- Contribute to project deliverables, policy briefing material, academic outputs, conference material and stakeholder workshop preparation.
Main Duties
- Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
- Analyse research data as directed
- Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
- Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
- Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
- Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
- Promote equality and value diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture
- Apply statistical profiling and clustering methods to connect energy demand patterns with socio-economic disadvantage and vulnerability indicators.
- Analyse results for system cost, carbon emissions, affordability and distributional outcomes.
- Support assessment of community hydrogen assets, bill savings allocation rules and equity-sensitive financial outcomes.
- Assist with hydrogen life-cycle assessment and low-carbon certificate accounting templates.
- Prepare figures, tables, code documentation, meeting notes, draft report sections and material for workshops, briefings and conferences.
- Support stakeholder co-design, dissemination activities and site visits through participant material, logistics, data validation notes and follow-up records.
- Maintain organised research records, reproducible data-processing scripts and version-controlled documentation where appropriate.
Person Specification
- Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area
- Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques
- Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
- Ability to access and organise resources successfully
- Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
- Practical experience of quantitative research methods, data cleaning and statistical analysis.
- Knowledge or research experience at the interface between energy systems and markets, including smart grids, energy-market modelling, multi-stakeholder decision-making, carbon or emissions trading, or pricing and auction mechanisms.
- Ability to review existing literature and projects, preferably with track records on review/survey.
- Training or equivalent professional or research experience in econometrics, financial modelling, applied statistics, quantitative management or a closely related quantitative field.
- Practical experience of extracting, cleaning and analysing financial, socio-economic or market datasets for investment, cost, risk, pricing, bill-saving or allocation analysis.
- Experience with digital technology concepts relevant to energy-system modelling, such as digital twins, artificial intelligence, machine learning or blockchain, and ability to translate these concepts into scenario, market or stakeholder analysis.
Informal enquiries to Prof Xiao-Ping Zhang, email: x.p.zhang@bham.ac.uk
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.
Research Associate - School of Engineering - 107454 - Grade 6 in Birmingham employer: The University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that values diversity and promotes equality. As a Research Associate in the School of Engineering, you will have access to extensive professional development opportunities, engage in meaningful research projects like WHISPER, and contribute to innovative solutions for sustainable energy systems. Located in Edgbaston, Birmingham, you will benefit from a supportive environment that encourages collaboration and creativity, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in academia.
Contact Detail:
The University of Birmingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate - School of Engineering - 107454 - Grade 6 in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Birmingham, especially in the School of Engineering. A friendly chat can give us insider info on the role and help us stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the WHISPER project. Understanding its goals and challenges will show our genuine interest and help us connect our skills to their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our presentation skills! We might need to present research outputs or findings, so rehearsing how we communicate complex data clearly will give us an edge.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our submission to highlight how we align with their values on diversity and sustainability.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate - School of Engineering - 107454 - Grade 6 in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the role, so don’t be afraid to express your unique style and experiences.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for this specific role. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description, especially those related to data analysis and energy systems.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how you've applied them in real-world situations. Use examples from your past work or studies that relate to the tasks mentioned in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Birmingham
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the WHISPER project and its objectives. Familiarise yourself with the methodologies used in energy systems and hydrogen integration. Being able to discuss specific aspects of the project will show your genuine interest and understanding.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with quantitative research methods and data analysis. Bring examples of past projects where you applied statistical techniques or data cleaning processes. This will demonstrate your practical skills and how they align with the role's requirements.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and how your role contributes to the overall goals. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the environment is right for you.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Given the university's focus on equality and diversity, be ready to discuss how you can contribute to an inclusive working culture. Share any experiences you have that highlight your commitment to these values, as it aligns with the university's mission.
