Postdoctoral Researcher in Renewable Energy Microgrids

Job Details

• Location: Docklands Campus
• Salary: £39,824 to £45,281 per annum inclusive of London Weighting
• Post Type: Full Time, Fixed Term
• Contract Length: 36 months
• Closing Date: Monday 05 January 2026
• Reference: 2313-25-RE

Join the University of East London – Shaping Futures for 125 Years

University of East London (UEL) is a vibrant, diverse, and forward-thinking institution dedicated to transforming lives through exceptional education and career-focused opportunities. As a careers-first university, we have been proudly preparing students for the jobs of the future for 125 years.

UEL has always been at the forefront of innovation, and our ambitious Vision 2028 strategy underscores our commitment to reshaping education for the benefit of all. We empower students from all backgrounds with the skills and opportunities to excel in today’s dynamic world.

Our dedication to excellence is reflected in our achievements. We are proud to be recognised as the University of the Year for Teaching Quality in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

At UEL, we don’t just teach; we inspire, innovate, and empower. Join us as we continue to shape the future.

About the Sustainability Research Institute

The Sustainability Research Institute (SRI) is a leading centre for real-world sustainable innovation. Since 2001, we have delivered an extensive portfolio of publicly funded research projects, consultancy work, and international collaborations that support the transition to a low‑carbon, resilient and environmentally responsible future.

Our research spans three key areas:

• Blue/Green Infrastructure: restoring, managing and protecting nature-based assets in urban and rural environments
• Sustainable Materials and Resources: developing materials and technologies that reduce emissions and improve performance
• Sustainable Society: empowering local communities, organisations and policymakers to participate in sustainability transitions

SRI is home to a diverse, interdisciplinary team of academics, research staff, students and external partners. We focus on applied innovation, turning science into meaningful environmental and societal impact.

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Researcher to lead cutting-edge research into microgrid systems, clean energy integration and sustainable electricity solutions. You will play a pivotal role in developing and scaling the London Renewable Energy Demonstrator Lab (LREL), a flagship initiative combining solar, wind, battery storage and next-generation digital and modelling tools.

This exciting role would suit a researcher who thrives at the intersection of engineering, data science and industry collaboration, and is driven by the opportunity to create real-world solutions to complex energy challenges.

You will lead modelling, optimisation and feasibility studies, engage with collaborators and stakeholders, advance system design, and translate emerging technologies into pilot-scale applications.

What You’ll Do

• Design, model and optimise microgrid systems using energy analytics and advanced simulation tools
• Collaborate with industry partners to advance technology readiness and real-world applicability
• Support retrofit strategies, integrating renewable technologies with existing energy infrastructure
• Engage with policymakers, industrial partners and stakeholders to align project goals and secure off-take and PPA-related insights
• Pilot and test emerging clean energy solutions using the LREL microgrid as a real system testbed
• Mentor students and junior researchers on microgrid-related research projects
• Produce high quality journal articles and present findings at international conferences
• Support competitive funding applications, proposal development and research bid activity
• Translate research outcomes into implementation pathways, pilot studies and feasibility assessments

What You’ll Need to Thrive

You will be successful in this role if you bring:

• A PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Data Science or a related discipline
• Proven experience with renewable energy technologies and microgrid integration
• Ability to work across engineering, data and sustainability domains
• Strong publication record and experience disseminating high quality research
• Experience working on applied or industry-facing research projects
• Familiarity with technology readiness approaches and stakeholder engagement
• Understanding of retrofitting, energy storage integration, PPAs and off-take agreements
• Excellent analytical, organisational and communication skills
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
• A proactive, problem-solving attitude and openness to innovation

You will thrive here if you enjoy:

• Turning research into tangible solutions
• Working with industry and external partners
• Pushing the boundaries of sustainable energy innovation
• Managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced research environment

Benefits Package

At UEL, we believe that a great role is about more than just a salary. It’s about the complete package, including our outstanding work environment and inclusive culture.

We offer a genuinely competitive salary, dependent on experience (DOE), and a range of excellent benefits.

As an inclusive, equal-opportunities employer, our Stonewall membership and Athena Swan awards reflect our ongoing dedication to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and we’re committed to closing the diversity pay gap. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and honest that there’s more to do. We’re determined to keep moving forward so everyone at UEL can thrive.

We’re a disability confident employer and value all applications. Please let us know if you require any reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

If you\’re ready to join a University that values your outstanding skills and perspectives and is dedicated to making a difference, we invite you to explore a career with us. We are excited to welcome versatile individuals who are committed to advancing their careers while making a positive impact on the world.

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the deadline if we receive many applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

CVs without a completed application form will not be accepted.

At UEL we are committed to working together to build a community which values diversity in both our staff and student populations, is representative and inclusive, enabling all to progress and thrive.