University of Exeter
Postdoctoral Research Associate

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Postdoctoral Research Associate (AI & Energy Systems)
About The Role
Innovate UK-funded full-time position available from 1 August 2026 on a fixed-term contract for 12 months.
Starting salary in the range of £34,610 on Grade E for the Postdoctoral Research Associate role, based on knowledge, skills, and experience.
The Role
This position sits within Environment, Science and Economy. The successful candidate will partner with Prof. Zhong Fan to conduct cutting-edge research focused on developing intelligent AI solutions and applications for energy systems as part of the Energy Catalyst Programme.
Responsibilities include:
- Researching the application of advanced AI technologies in energy sectors
- Contributing to publication via top-tier academic conferences and journals in energy and AI
About You
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Holds or is nearing completion of a PhD, or has an equivalent qualification/experience, preferably in a related discipline:
- Strong background in energy system modelling and non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM)
- Proficiency in modern AI techniques.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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Demonstrates research communication skills, including:
- Articulating research progress and outcomes
- Explaining complex technical concepts in oral, written, and electronic formats
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Experience applying for external funding and preparing research proposals.
Please refer to the [full Job Description] and [Person Specification] for complete details.
What We Can Offer You
A fulfilling academic environment with:
- Creative freedom: Pursue intellectual interests across disciplines to produce internationally groundbreaking research.
- Supportive teams: Aligned with institutional goals of education and innovative excellence.
- Specialised services:
- An Innovation, Impact & Business directorate supporting academic-industry collaborations
- Exeter Academic Initiative, fostering diverse career development.
- Staff benefits:
- Leading employee policies covering:
- Maternity/Adoption/Shared Parental Leave (up to 26 weeks, full pay)
- Paternity Leave (up to 6 weeks, full pay)
- Sector-leading provisions for fertility treatments.
- Leading employee policies covering:
- Deploymentslocated on an exceptionally beautiful campus in Devon, England.


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Further Information
For inquiries, contact: Prof. Zhong Fan E-mail: z.fan@exeter.ac.uk
About Us
Join University of Exeter—ranked top 200 in global university rankings (QS & THE 2025)—leading in teaching excellence (Triple Gold TEF rating, 2023) and pioneering sustainability research in southwest England.
Our mission challenges outstanding researchers and educators to drive societal and environmental progress.
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