Research Assistant/Postdoctoral Research Associate in Energy Transition and Finance
Heriot-Watt University – Edinburgh Business School
Location:
Location: Edinburgh
Hours:
Hours: Full Time, Part Time
Contract Type:
Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract
Placed On:
Placed On: 15th September 2026
Closes:
Closes: 18th October 2026
Contract: Full Time (1FTE, part-time arrangements may also be considered). Fixed term for 18 months, with the potential for extension.
Decarbonising heat is one of the most critical challenges in the transition to net zero. The Sustainable Open-loop Large-scale Interseasonal Thermochemical Heat Storage (SOLIS) project is an EPSRC-funded Critical Mass Programme focused on developing innovative, scalable and cost-effective solutions for long-duration interseasonal heat storage technologies to balance renewable energy availability with seasonal heat demand.
Here at Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, we are seeking to appoint up to two highly motivated and talented researchers to join the SOLIS consortium. These roles offer an exciting opportunity to conduct research at the nexus of energy transition, sustainable finance, business model innovation, and systems thinking, contributing to the development and evaluation of commercially viable, investable and scalable pathways for long-duration heat storage and heat networks.
The successful candidates will be expected to work regularly on campus at Heriot-Watt University. Fully remote working is not available.
Education, qualifications and experience
- Qualifications: A PhD (awarded or near completion) in Sustainable Finance, Energy Economics, Business/Management, Energy Policy, Sustainability Transitions, or a closely related discipline.
- Relevant Research Expertise: A strong research background in one or more of the following areas: sustainable finance and infrastructure investment; energy economics and finance; energy business models, innovation and commercialisation; energy policy and governance; systems thinking; or sustainability transitions.
- Research Methods: Demonstrate experience in designing and conducting rigorous qualitative and quantitative research, including the collection and analysis of primary and secondary data.
- Track Record: Evidence of high-quality publications commensurate with career stage, alongside policy- or practitioner-facing outputs.
- Communication & Engagement: Excellent written, oral and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex research effectively to academic and non-academic audiences and to engage confidently with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Initiative & Leadership: Evidence of initiative and leadership potential, with the ability to take ownership of research activities, coordinate work involving multiple stakeholders, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work to agreed timescales.
- Independent & Collaborative Working: Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a diverse interdisciplinary team and to build effective working relationships with academic, industrial and public-sector partners.
For informal enquiries about the role, please contact Professor Bing Xu: b.xu@hw.ac.uk
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Research Assistant/Postdoctoral Research Associate in Energy Transition and Finance employer: UK Energy Research Centre
Join a leading global university renowned for its commitment to sustainability, where you will play a vital role in managing utilities and driving environmental performance. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth, offering opportunities to develop your skills in energy management while contributing to meaningful sustainability initiatives. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, this position not only enhances your career but also allows you to make a significant impact on the university's low-carbon future.
