At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research on hydrogen transitions and social justice in energy systems.
- Company: Cranfield University, a leader in innovative energy research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for impactful research.
- Why this job: Make a difference in energy justice while advancing your research career.
- Qualifications: Doctorate in energy governance or related fields; strong communication and research skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on sustainable energy solutions across multiple countries.
The predicted salary is between 37337 - 48039 £ per year.
Location: Bedfordshire, Cranfield
Salary: £37,337 to £48,039 per annum
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract
Placed On: 16th January 2026
Closes: 11th February 2026
Fixed Term Contract for 30 months
We welcome applications from passionate, skilled, and committed social scientists to maximise the potential of hydrogen transition to undo past injustices and enable transition to net zero.
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 the 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 hydrogen transition may impact vulnerable or indigenous peoples, in particular whether and how it can undo past injustices, is very important for this role. You are expected to work and coordinate this strand of work with our local partners across the four jurisdictions. You will also support Cranfield’s role to devise activities for embedding multidisciplinarity and interdisciplinarity between technical and social science teams.
About You
You will be educated to doctoral level in governance of energy systems or institutional perspectives to energy transitions or socio-technical perspectives to energy systems change or energy justice or energy policy and regulation. With excellent communication skills, you will have expertise in social science research methods and development of new concepts and frameworks. For appointments at Senior Research Fellow level, demonstrated ability to win and deliver research grants or manage research teams is an essential criteria.
Find out more and apply.
Senior/Research Fellow in Energy Transitions and Justice employer: UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC)
Contact Detail:
UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/Research Fellow in Energy Transitions and Justice
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the energy sector, especially those involved in hydrogen transitions. Attend relevant events or webinars to make connections and learn more about the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in energy justice and hydrogen technology. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to fair governance and social impacts in this area.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for social science research methods! Bring examples of your previous work that highlight your expertise in developing frameworks and concepts related to energy transitions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior/Research Fellow in Energy Transitions and Justice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in energy transitions and justice. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects or research!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for social science and energy justice shine through! We’re looking for candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in the hydrogen transition, so share your motivations and aspirations in your application.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly grasp your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials properly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the socio-technical systems thinking and justice principles relevant to energy transitions. Brush up on recent research and case studies related to hydrogen transition, especially how it impacts vulnerable communities. This will show your passion and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating complex ideas clearly and concisely. Prepare to discuss how you would convey research findings to diverse audiences, including policymakers and local partners. Consider using examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points.
✨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. Highlight specific projects where you led a team or contributed significantly to securing funding, as this will be crucial for demonstrating your capability.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the role, the HyPT Centre, and their approach to embedding multidisciplinarity. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals.