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- Tasks: Join our team to model consumer-led flexibility in sustainable energy systems.
- Company: Salford Business School, a pioneer in redefining education and sustainability.
- Benefits: Collaborative environment, research opportunities, and engagement with industry partners.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local energy solutions and contribute to a sustainable future.
- Qualifications: PhD in power systems or related field, strong modelling and analytical skills required.
- Other info: Engage with communities and industry while publishing high-quality research.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Opportunity:
Salford Business School boasts a vibrant international community. We are pioneers in redefining education and its role in shaping the future and world around us. Industry collaborations, knowledge transfer partnerships, research partnerships, international exchanges, student opportunities, outreach activities – these are just some of the ways we connect and work together.
We are seeking an ambitious and highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our research team on sustainable and resilient systems and societies. Theresearcherwill focus on modelling consumer-led flexibility resources (e.g. V2G EVs and batteries) at the sub-grid/community level, with an emphasis on understanding distribution grid challenges and evaluating the impact of incentive mechanisms on both consumers and distribution system operators.
The role:
This role is central to advancing our research on self-sustaining communities, local energy neighbourhoods, and consumer-driven flexibility, building on national initiatives such as Clean Power 2030, Future Energy Scenarios, and Ofgems smart charging and V2X priorities.The role will involve developing and applying advanced modelling frameworks to capture consumer-led flexibility at both distribution and sub-distribution levels.
The researcher will design and run simulation studies to assess the technical and economic impacts of diverse distributed energy resources, including electric vehicles, vehicle-to-everything technologies, heat pumps, batteries, solar generation, and community storage, on local grid operation. A key focus will be to examine how different incentive structures and market mechanisms, such as dynamic tariffs, local flexibility services, and aggregator-based models, influence consumer participation and system performance. The work will also address grid-level challenges, including congestion management, voltage stability, and the potential to defer costly reinforcement. The researcher will carry out scenario and sensitivity analyses in line with national policy goals, notably Clean Power 2030 and NESOs Pathways to Net Zero. Beyond technical research, the researcher will be expected to produce high-quality academic publications and policy briefs, while actively contributing to UKRI and Horizon Europe projects. Engagement with distribution network operators, industry partners, and local communities and pilot partners will be integral to ensuring that insights from the modelling are translated into practical, evidence-based solutions. The post-holder will work with and report to the Project Lead and will be required:
- To provide support to the Project Lead to deliver the DriVe2X Project.
- To manage research projects and contribute to projects delivered by others in the team as required.
- To manage and undertake data collection and analysis activities as required.
- To develop, build and nurture partnerships with a range of stakeholders.
- To work across disciplines in the development and delivery of projects with internal, external, domestic and international partners.
- To present the findings and to publish research findings in high-quality academic and non-academic outputs
- Perform any other duties as may be required from time to time by the Project Lead.
We hope you will bring:
- PhD in power systems, energy systems modelling, or a closely related field.
- Strong expertise in distribution network modelling, optimisation, or simulation.
- Demonstrated ability to model consumer-led flexibility resources (EVs, storage, demand-side response, heat electrification).
- Familiarity with energy markets and incentive structures for flexibility.
- Strong computational and analytical skills (e.g. Python, MATLAB, energy system simulation platforms).
- Evidence of high-quality publications and ability to work independently as well as in multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience with V2X/V2G modelling and smart charging frameworks.
- Knowledge of regulatory and policy drivers shaping consumer-led flexibility in the UK.
Job Description
JBRP1_UKTJ
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Citizen-led Flexibility and Grids Sustainability employer: University of Salford
Contact Detail:
University of Salford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Citizen-led Flexibility and Grids Sustainability
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, workshops, and conferences related to energy systems and sustainability. This is your chance to meet potential collaborators and employers face-to-face, so don’t be shy – introduce yourself and share your passion for citizen-led flexibility!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your research projects, modelling frameworks, and any publications you've contributed to. This will give you an edge when discussing your experience with potential employers and demonstrate your expertise in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Leverage social media! Follow key players in the energy sector on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. Engage with their content, share your insights, and connect with others in the field. This can lead to job opportunities and collaborations that you might not find elsewhere.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals like you. Keep an eye on our job listings and make sure to submit your application directly – it’s the best way to get noticed by our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Citizen-led Flexibility and Grids Sustainability
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in power systems and energy modelling. We want to see how your skills align with our focus on consumer-led flexibility and sustainability.
Showcase Your Research Impact: When detailing your previous work, emphasise the impact of your research on real-world applications. We love seeing how your findings can translate into practical solutions for communities and energy systems.
Highlight Collaboration Skills: Since we value partnerships, mention any experience you have working with diverse teams or stakeholders. Show us how you've successfully collaborated across disciplines to achieve project goals.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Salford
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and technologies related to consumer-led flexibility and energy systems. Brush up on your knowledge of V2G, smart charging, and distribution network modelling. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just interested but also knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare to talk about your previous research projects, especially those involving simulation studies or modelling frameworks. Be ready to explain your methodologies and the impact of your findings. This is your chance to demonstrate how your work aligns with the goals of the DriVe2X Project.
✨Engage with the Community
Since the role involves working with various stakeholders, think about how you can contribute to community engagement. Have examples ready of how you've built partnerships or collaborated with industry partners in the past. This will highlight your ability to translate research into practical solutions.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the team’s current projects, future initiatives, and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.