Research Associate (Civil and Environmental Engineering) (2 posts)

Fixed Term until 28 February 2026 

Job Summary

Applications are encouraged for two Research Associate posts in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College London, to work as part of the project Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstration (ZEHID). It is funded by the Department of Transport and is a demonstration of battery electric and hydrogen heavy goods vehicles, involving industry partners from energy supply, vehicle OEMs and truck operators. The aim is to test 100 40-44 tonne battery electric and hydrogen trucks and build several open access state-of-the-art multi-energy stations along key operational routes across the Midlands and the North of the UK. 

Duties and responsibilities

In the first year of these roles, the focus will be on gathering and analysing data and defining the experimental approach to the trial, working with others in the Imperial team and project partners to do so. As the project progresses, you will lead the work on techno-economic analyses and lifecycle analyses. 

As the project progresses, one of the posts will focus on developing quantitative models of vehicle energy consumption and refuelling across a range of duty cycles. You will develop a simulation model of vehicle energy performance and refuelling/recharging sequences. This will enable operators to consider the range of operations that electric and hydrogen HGVs can be deployed on. You will review the literature and existing models prior to defining and developing the simulation platform appropriate to this project.

The other post will focus on developing a quantitative national-scale model of UK road freight movements to enable the analysis of different energy scenarios. You will also review the literature and existing models prior to defining and developing the approach appropriate to this project. 

Essential requirements 

• Hold a PhD in Civil/Mechanical/Transport/Aerospace/Electrical Engineering or a closely related field, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience,
• Practical experience within a research environment and / or publication in relevant and refereed journals,
• Experience of dealing with research sponsors and external collaborators,
• Knowledge of lifecycle analyses and techno-economic assessments,
• Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature,
• Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative.

Further Information

As Imperial College staff, in addition to a competitive salary and package of attractive terms and conditions of service, we offer many more benefits to enjoy. This includes career development tailored to your ambitions, an attractive pension scheme, and generous family leave packages. We have a flexible, supportive work environment and encourage you to achieve and maintain a healthy work-life balance!

For informal enquiries and information about the post please contact Dr Marc Stettler (m.stettler@imperial.ac.uk).

Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to Briony Webb (b.webb@imperial.ac.uk).

Further information about the post is available in the job description.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds and disabilities. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the interview process and to perform crucial job functions, as well as other support including staff networks. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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