University of Edinburgh
Research Associate in Energy System Modelling and Market Design
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UE07: £41,064 - £48,822 per annum
CSE / School of Engineering / Institute for Energy Systems
Full-time: 35 hours per week
Fixed term: 36 months
Help us redefine what’s possible. Be part of something bigger.
The University isn’t just any employer. We are part of a local community and a contributor to global thinking, progress and research. In Edinburgh, you are in one of the world’s most attractive cities with active arts and social sectors, while working in a University that has made significant contributions to society, medicine, physics and teaching for over four centuries. Our people have helped create the modern world and are working on more ground-breaking technologies and practices.
The Opportunity
We are pleased to announce a fully funded Research Associate position in multi-energy markets and planning at the School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh. This position is part of a new EPSRC-funded research project led by Dr Andrew Lyden, examining how energy market design and interactions between electricity, heat and hydrogen can inform long-term energy system planning.
The transition to net zero requires planning approaches that capture not only technologies and infrastructure, but also the markets, policies and decisions that shape how the energy system develops. The project will address this challenge by developing new open-source modelling capabilities for Great Britain. This will include an integrated multi-energy system model, alongside agent-based approaches for representing the behaviour of investors, aggregators, consumers and other energy sector actors. The research will explore how different market and policy arrangements affect investment, system operation and infrastructure need across the electricity, heat and hydrogen sectors.
The successful candidate will have an important role in shaping and delivering the research. They will contribute to model development, scenario design, data analysis, research publications and engagement with academic, policy and industry partners. There will be scope to further develop expertise across energy system optimisation, electricity market modelling, agent-based modelling and integrated energy system analysis, depending on the candidate’s background and interests. The post will also provide opportunities to lead publications, develop open-source research software, present findings at international conferences and work with organisations involved in energy policy, regulation, system planning, and industry.
This post is full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.
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How to apply
Please include the following documents in your application:
- CV
- Cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your experience meets the essential, and where relevant desirable, criteria outlined in the job description.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
- A competitive salary.
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page https://www.ed.ac.uk/human-resources/pay-reward/staff-benefits and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits.
Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also a Stonewall Proud Employer, actively promoting LGBTQ+ equality.
We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from groups that are currently underrepresented within engineering and energy system research.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages https://www.ed.ac.uk/human-resources/demonstrating-rtw
The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.
Key dates to note
The closing date for applications is 1 September 2026.
Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.
As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.
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Engineering has been taught at Edinburgh in one form or another since 1673. In 2002, the present School of Engineering was formed from the previously existing departments of Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electronics and Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Since then, the School has grown from strength to strength, now having the largest number of students among the seven Schools in the College of Science and Engineering, offering undergraduate degree programmes across all disciplines and taught Masters courses in niche areas. All of the undergraduate degree programmes are accredited by the relevant professional institutions.
The School of Engineering addresses diverse complex challenges across the entire field of engineering, at the micro- and macro/global scales. At the microscopic scale, its research supports the design and deployment of novel nanotechnology and devices for biological monitoring and medical diagnosis; at the macro/global scale, it optimises the security and sustainability of the built environment and develops engineering solutions to climate change issues. In REF 2021 the joint submission from the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University to General Engineering was ranked 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for quality and breadth of research. The ranking cited is based upon the breadth and quality of research which apply standard formula (as used by the Times Higher Education) to the REF 2021 results.
The School has a strong track record in producing more than 50 technology spin-outs and developing industry links that enable our graduates to build career-long relationships. Current research income in the School was c.£22.0M in 2020/21.
We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working and recognise and value diversity across all our staff and students. The School has an active programme offering support and professional development for all staff; providing mentoring, training, and networking opportunities.
The School of Engineering holds a bronze Athena SWAN award, in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education & research.
Further information, including details of undergraduate & postgraduate taught programmes: www.eng.ed.ac.uk
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