19409BR
Cardiff School of Engineering
Research
Advert
Research Associate / Assistant in the optimisation and simulation of multi-energy systems
Cardiff University School of Engineering
We seek to recruit a highly motivated Research Assistant/Associate with proven intellectual and technical ability to conduct research in the area of modelling and analysis of multi-energy systems. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to our on-going research activities that concern (1) developing a modelling tool using Python for optimal expansion planning and operation of integrated electricity and hydrogen/natural gas systems, and (2) investigating the future use of gas network to support the Net Zero transition..
The candidate is expected to be a self-starter and resourceful team player with an appetite for working with the industry. The successful candidate will also contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research.
This post is full-time (35 hours per week), available immediately and is fixed term for 2 years or until 31 May 2028, whichever date is earliest. The post is externally funded by the EPSRC, and the candidate will be expected to play an active role in HI -ACT consortium.
The appointment will be made, dependent on relevant qualifications, skills and experience, within the Grade 5 or Grade 6 scale.
Salary:
£33,232 - £35,880 per annum (Grade 5 - Research Assistant) or
£40,247 - £45,163 per annum (Grade 6 - Research Associate)
For informal enquiries about the post please contact Professor Meysam Qadrdan (qadrdanm@cardiff.ac.uk).
For further details about working at Cardiff School of Engineering please contact Bev Jones, Enginadmin@cardiff.ac.uk
Interviews are expected to take place between December 2024 to Mid-January 2025.
Date advert posted: Wednesday, 13 November 2024
Closing date: Sunday, 1 December 2024
The School of Engineering holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. Cardiff University is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. For this vacancy we actively encourage women to apply. We will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share opportunities.
Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.
Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University
Job Description
Main Duties and Responsibilities - Grade 5 Research Assistant
- To undertake research, e.g. by planning, preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments /field work/desktop research/questionnaires
- Actively participate within the research group, communicating and presenting research at meetings, through publications and other recognised avenues as appropriate, ensuring information is communicated to internal and external partners
- To contribute and support research publications and presentations as required
- To contribute and support research funding bids as required
- To analyse and communicate complex ideas, concepts and data using appropriate methods and packages
- To resolve issues and support colleagues in devising procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
- To generate research output and contribute to the development of independent and original ideas as appropriate
- To provide support in research activities for undergraduate courses and research programmes and provide guidance to other members of staff within the research team
- To maintain and update area of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature within the area.
Other
- To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
- To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
- To ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties
- To abide by the University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity
- Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
Main Duties and Responsibilities - Grade 6 Research Associate
Research
- To (1) develop a modelling tool using Python for optimal expansion planning and operation of integrated electricity and hydrogen/natural gas systems, and (2) investigate the future use of gas network to support the transition to Net Zero. In addition, the post-holders are expected to contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
- To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
- To attend and present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
- To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
- To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
- To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
- To participate in School research activities.
- To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects
Person Specification
Essential Criteria - Grade 5 Research Assistant
Qualifications And Education
- A degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience
Knowledge, Skills And Experience
- Knowledge of research methods and techniques within specialist field
- Proven ability to analyse complex information and summarise appropriately
- Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies
Communication and Team Working
- Proven communication skills, including presentation to various audiences
- Excellent organisational and team-working skills
Other
- Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamworking within work
Desirable Criteria
- Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience
- Relevant professional qualification(s)
- Evidence of collaborations with industry.
- Proven ability to work without close supervision
- Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
Qualifications And Education
Essential Criteria - Grade 5 Research Assistant
- Postgraduate degree at PhD level in Engineering, Physical Science, Operation Research, Statistics and computer science, or relevant industrial experience.
Knowledge, Skills And Experience
- An established expertise and proven portfolio of research experience within the following research fields:
Optimal expansion planning and operation of integrated electricity and hydrogen/natural gas systems
Hydrogen transport and storage
- Competency and extensive knowledge and practical experience in Python programming and collaborative large-scale model development are essential
- Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field
- Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies
- Proven ability to publish in international journals / conferences and other research outputs (when it comes to publications, we prefer quality over quantity)
Communication and Team Working
- Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
- Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals
Other
- Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working
- Proven ability to work without close supervision
Desirable Criteria
- Evidence of collaborations with industry.
- Project management experience
Additional Information
Other
Job Description Continued - Grade 6 Research Associate
- To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
- To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
- To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
- Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
- You may be asked to perform other duties occasionally which are not included above, but which will be consistent with the role.
IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria
Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable criteria. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure when submitting this document/attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance,
19409BR
Salary Range Min.
33,232
Salary Range Max.
45,163
Job Category
Academic - Research
Grade
Grade 5
