At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in groundbreaking research on hydrogen integration for net-zero transitions.
- Company: University of Birmingham, a leading institution in engineering and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on equity-sensitive modelling and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable energy solutions 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 values 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.
Research Associate - School of Engineering - 107454 - Grade 6 employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment, fostering innovation and collaboration within the School of Engineering. As a Research Associate, you will have access to cutting-edge projects like WHISPER, with opportunities for professional growth and development in a supportive academic setting. Located in Edgbaston, Birmingham, the university provides a vibrant community and resources that empower employees to contribute meaningfully to research and societal impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate - School of Engineering - 107454 - Grade 6
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the engineering and research fields, especially those connected to the University of Birmingham. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your previous research projects, data analysis, and any relevant publications. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, use this as a visual aid to demonstrate your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get comfortable with common interview questions related to research methodologies, data analysis, and teamwork. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that Research Associate role. Plus, applying directly through us shows your commitment and interest in being part of our team. Don’t miss out on the chance to make a great impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate - School of Engineering - 107454 - Grade 6
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Associate role. Highlight your relevant experience in quantitative research methods and data analysis, as well as any specific projects that align with the WHISPER project goals.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use examples from your past work or studies to show how you’ve applied statistical analysis, data cleaning, and modelling techniques. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless necessary, and make sure your passion for research and commitment to equity-sensitive modelling shines through. We want to see your enthusiasm!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re familiar with the WHISPER project and its objectives. Understand how your role as a Research Associate fits into the bigger picture of energy systems and socio-economic analysis. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your practical experience with quantitative research methods and data analysis. Bring examples of past projects where you’ve applied these skills, especially in energy systems or financial modelling. This will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the role.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just wait for questions; engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about the team’s current projects or challenges they face. This shows that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their work.
✨Highlight Your Team Spirit
Since the role involves collaboration, be ready to discuss how you’ve worked in teams before. Share examples of how you’ve supported colleagues or contributed to group projects, especially in research settings. This will highlight your ability to foster an inclusive working culture.
