Post Doctoral Research Associate in Socio economics of solar minigrids for energy access

About the role:

If you are a researcher interested in making an impact on energy access and in socio-economic analysis of energy solutions, this post might be of your interest.

We are looking for a motivated post-doctoral researched with a strong background in quantitative and qualitative research in the energy field to work on the “socio-economic” work package of the Moving Impact project, a UKRI funded research consortium of UK and Sub-Saharan Africa universities and institutions to study solar mini-grids implementation in Sub-Saharan Africa. Moving Impact aims at exploring how minigrids can support energy access in Sub-Saharan Africa, by linking PV generation, agricultural production, small-scale EV transportation and national grids, with the view of driving sustainability, economic empowerment and health.

What you would be doing:

You will engage in collaborative interdisciplinary research on energy access and solar mini-grids deployment, with the view of delivering high impact publications and outputs to support capacity building activities and a long-lasting socio-economic impact. You’ll work closely with Dr Chiara Candelise to study how and whether varying business models and implementation conditions might increase solar mini-grid economic sustainability and communities’ benefits.

You will have the opportunity to travel to Sub-Saharan Africa and engage with UK and African academic and industrial partners. You’ll also be an active member of the thriving academic community at Imperial College and the Centre for Environmental Policy, with opportunities to participate in seminars, receive targeted training, and engage with MSc and PhD students.

What we are looking for:

You will have a strong educational profile up to and including a PhD Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline (applied economics, engineering or equivalent qualification in an area related to energy systems)

In addition, we are looking for candidates with the following essential criteria:

• Knowledge of energy systems, technologies and policy
• Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative research in the energy field
• Understanding of energy access issues
• High level analytical skills.
• Ability to apply relevant models, techniques and methods and develop new ones.
• Proven technical writing and data analysis skills.
• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write up research for peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range of people and different seniority.
• Ability to plan work towards specified deadlines and deliver on time.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

The position is available for a fixed term period of up to 24 months starting in second half of November 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Should you have any queries about the role, please contact:

Dr Chiara Candelise – c.candelise05@imperial.ac.uk

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