Postdoctoral Research Fellow (UK Energy Research Centre)

Grade UE07: £40,497 to £48,149 per annum, pro-rata if part time

CAHSS/ School of Social and Political Science

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed term: 29 months 

The Opportunity:

You will conduct research into the development and delivery of neighbourhood-based energy retrofit and heat decarbonisation programmes, with a focus on relational and place-based aspects. This will involve working with communities and delivery agencies to review interventions, delivery mechanisms, outcomes and the role of socio-cultural relations in one, or more, UK case study location. 

This position offers an experienced researcher the opportunity to join the internationally-leading, multi-disciplinary UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC). UKERC has occupied a unique space in the UK’s energy research landscape since 2004, creating and applying interdisciplinary, whole systems research to provide high quality and timely evidence and analysis, and deliver impact. In its fifth phase (2024-2029) UKERC will focus on the multifaceted challenge of delivering the energy transition; conducting a programme of interdisciplinary research on how to transition to a sustainable and inclusive net zero energy system whilst enhancing security and affordability, and working with key stakeholders to provide analysis and insights relevant to the challenges facing decision-makers in government, industry and civil society, helping accelerate an equitable transition.

This post is fixed term for 29 months from 1 July 2025. 

This post is advertised as full time (35 hours per week) but we are open to considering part-time and flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote, within the UK, and regular on-campus working.  

Your skills and attributes for success:

• A PhD (or equivalent professional qualification), awarded or near completion, in a relevant social science (sociology, environmental psychology, energy geography/policy and/or science and technology studies), with training or skills relevant to the project.
• Expertise in social science research methods including surveys, focus groups and interviews with publics/community groups; policy and practitioner expert interviews; and thematic analysis. 
• Research expertise in energy and society, especially retrofit, heat decarbonisation and domestic energy use. 
• Knowledge of the current UK landscape of energy retrofit and heat decarbonization, including novel financing approaches.
• Track record of relevant high quality academic research and publication.
• Ability to engage citizens and community groups and communicate in an accessible manner.

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