Postdoctoral Researcher in Renewable Energy Microgrids

About the role

The Sustainability Research Institute (SRI) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to lead research into microgrid systems, clean energy integration, and sustainable electricity solutions. The successful candidate will contribute to the development and scaling of the London Renewable Energy Demonstrator Lab (LREL).

Responsibilities

• Design, model, and optimise microgrid systems using energy analytics and advanced simulation tools
• Collaborate with industry partners to advance technology readiness and real-world applicability
• Engage with policymakers, industrial partners, and stakeholders to align project goals and secure off-take and PPA-related insights
• Pilot and test emerging clean energy solutions using the LREL microgrid as a real system testbed
• Mentor students and junior researchers on microgrid-related research projects
• Produce high-quality journal articles and present findings at international conferences
• Support competitive funding applications, proposal development, and research bid activity
• Translate research outcomes into implementation pathways, pilot studies, and feasibility assessments

Requirements

• A PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Data Science, or a related discipline
• Proven experience with renewable energy technologies and microgrid integration
• Strong publication record and experience disseminating high-quality research
• Experience working on applied or industry-facing research projects
• Familiarity with technology readiness approaches and stakeholder engagement
• Understanding of retrofitting, energy storage integration, PPAs, and off-take agreements
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and communication skills
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
• A proactive, problem-solving attitude and openness to innovation

Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Data Science, or a related discipline
• Proven experience with renewable energy technologies and microgrid integration
• Strong publication record and experience disseminating high-quality research
• Experience working on applied or industry-facing research projects
• Familiarity with technology readiness approaches and stakeholder engagement
• Understanding of retrofitting, energy storage integration, PPAs, and off-take agreements
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and communication skills
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
• A proactive, problem-solving attitude and openness to innovation

Skills

• Proficiency in energy analytics and advanced simulation tools
• Experience with renewable energy technologies and microgrid integration
• Strong publication record and experience disseminating high-quality research
• Experience working on applied or industry-facing research projects
• Familiarity with technology readiness approaches and stakeholder engagement
• Understanding of retrofitting, energy storage integration, PPAs, and off-take agreements
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and communication skills
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
• A proactive, problem-solving attitude and openness to innovation

Benefits

The University of East London offers a competitive salary, dependent on experience (DOE), and a range of excellent benefits. For more information on the benefits package, visit: https://uel.ac.uk/benefits-all-academic-research-positions.

Pay

£39,824 to £45,281 per annum inclusive of London Weighting.

Schedule

Full Time, Fixed Term Contract ending on Monday 15 January 2029.