At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead knowledge exchange between the electricity sector and researchers, driving impactful projects.
- Company: University of Strathclyde, a leader in energy research and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, fixed-term contract, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the energy transition and influence national policy.
- Qualifications: PhD in power networks or equivalent industry experience; strong communication and leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with significant career growth potential and collaboration with industry leaders.
The predicted salary is between 69488 - 73709 £ per year.
The University of Strathclyde seeks an outstanding individual to take a lead role in the exchange of knowledge between Britain’s electricity sector and researchers at the University. They will head up and contribute to the development of meaningful messages for industry and policymakers and the effective dissemination of those messages to achieve impact of national and international significance. They will also be a key part of the identification of new research needs and will help colleagues to develop new projects and secure funding for them.
The role will be underpinned by a renewed partnership with Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN). SPEN is one of the most significant companies in the electricity sector in the UK and comprises one of Britain’s three onshore electricity transmission network owners and three of the Distribution Network Owners. It has been a close collaborator with University of Strathclyde for many years. Together, the University and SPEN have helped to shape industry practice and influenced energy policy. This appointment will take that further, working with SPEN and other key parties in the sector to support innovation within the UK’s transition to resilient, affordable, low carbon energy.
The successful candidate will join one of the UK’s leading electrical energy and power systems research groups. They should have an established, nationally recognised record in energy sector thought leadership with evidence of strong engagement with senior people in both government and industry. They should have excellent communication skills and creativity and be motivated by making a positive difference to the energy transition and meeting society’s needs.
They will be expected to hold a PhD in a subject related to the development and operation power networks to accommodate low carbon generation and new loads such as electrified heat and transport, or to have equivalent industry research and innovation experience. They will have excellent knowledge of today’s electricity system engineering and energy policy challenges in the UK. They should have been successful in publishing in reputable academic journals and in producing widely cited reports and blogs. They will be in receipt of regular invitations to speak at major electricity industry events. It will also be a significant advantage if the candidate is well-respected as a provider of training for Continuing Professional Development.
Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Prof Keith Bell, Scottish Power Professor of Future Power Systems (keith.bell@strath.c.uk). Formal interviews for this post will be held in late April 2026.
Director of Grid Innovation Strategy and Knowledge Exchange (803442) in Glasgow employer: University of Strathclyde
Contact Detail:
University of Strathclyde Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Grid Innovation Strategy and Knowledge Exchange (803442) in Glasgow
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the energy sector! Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences. The more you engage with professionals, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Create a portfolio that highlights your thought leadership in the energy sector. Share your published works, reports, and any speaking engagements. This will demonstrate your credibility and passion for the field.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn to share insights and engage with industry discussions. Follow key players in the electricity sector and join relevant groups. This can help you stay updated and make valuable connections.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Grid Innovation Strategy and Knowledge Exchange (803442) in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see how your background in energy sector thought leadership and communication skills can contribute to our mission.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your qualifications; tell us about your successes! Whether it’s publishing in reputable journals or leading impactful projects, we love to see evidence of your contributions to the energy transition.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your potential.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the University of Strathclyde!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Strathclyde
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the current challenges in the UK electricity sector. Brush up on recent developments, especially those related to low carbon generation and electrification. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership
Prepare examples of your past leadership experiences, particularly in energy sector projects. Highlight how you've engaged with senior stakeholders and influenced policy or industry practices. This is crucial for a role that requires thought leadership and collaboration.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating complex ideas clearly and concisely. You might be asked to explain technical concepts to non-experts, so being able to simplify your message is key. Consider preparing a few anecdotes that demonstrate your communication skills in action.
✨Be Ready to Innovate
Think about innovative solutions you've proposed or implemented in previous roles. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the University’s partnership with SPEN and drive forward new research initiatives. Show them you're not just a thinker, but a doer!