Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Power System Optimisation for Second-Life Battery Storage

Location: Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PJ

About the role

We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate in Power System Optimisation for Second-Life Battery Storage to join the Power Systems Architecture Lab within the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford. The post is funded by the Oxford Martin Programme on Circular Battery Economies. It is fixed term up to December 2027. 

You will undertake original research on the grid integration of second life battery storage systems. The research will bring together second-life battery modelling, power system optimisation and technoeconomic evaluation. The project will also involve close collaboration with researchers from other disciplines within the Oxford Martin Circular Battery Economies Programme, who are working on second-life battery analysis, re-certification, and redeployment, as well as social acceptability and policy design. 

About you

You should hold a relevant PhD/DPhil, or be near completion, in electrical engineering, economics, applied mathematics or another related area. (For candidates with substantial experience but an undergraduate/master’s degree only, there is the potential for appointment at Grade 6). 

What we offer

At the university of Oxford your happiness and wellbeing at work is important to us. We have a number of generous benefits including 38 days' annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and fixed closure days), generous pension schemes and free access to the Oxford colleges. The other benefits include: 

• Travel - We have several travel schemes available for staff which promote sustainable modes of transport.
• Family friendly benefits - We aim to be a family-friendly employer and offer a range of flexible working options. We have some of the most generous family leave provision in the Higher Education.
• Sports – We have several schemes to help you stay fit and healthy, including discounted membership of the university sports centre on the Iffley Road.
• Personal and professional development - We actively encourage all staff to participate in planning their personal and professional development and provide a broad range of opportunities to enable them to reach their full potential.
• University club - All staff are entitled to free membership of the University Club. It offers social and hospitality facilities, a small gym and exercise classes.
• Staff discounts - University staff can access shopping discounts in several ways; by purchasing a TOTUM card, by showing an employee pass in selected local stores, or online by using any of the listed discount codes.
• Childcare services - We offer excellent childcare services including five University nurseries as well as University-supported places at other local private nurseries.

How to apply

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system and should include the covering letter/supporting statement (describing how you meet the criteria), a CV, and names of two academic references.

The position is a full-time fixed term post available to 31 December 2027.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Thursday 14 August 2025.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Thomas Morstyn: Thomas.Morstyn@eng.ox.ac.uk

For more information about working at the Department, see www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/

The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria.

The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.

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