Research Associate/Fellow (Part-time, Fixed-term)

About The Role

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow position within the Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, contributing to cutting-edge research in thermal energy storage (TES) technologies for industrial decarbonisation. The project focuses on assessing the potential of thermal energy storage in enabling the low-carbon transition of dispersed industrial sites in the UK. The successful candidate will investigate technical challenges and deployment risks associated with TES integration, and develop data-driven understanding of industrial energy use and storage performance. You will be responsible for collecting and analysing energy consumption data from selected industrial sites, characterising thermal energy storage materials using experimental facilities at the University of Nottingham, and supporting system-level assessment of TES integration in collaboration with industrial and academic partners. The role offers the opportunity to work across experimental testing, data analysis, and applied energy systems modelling.

About The Team

You will join a multidisciplinary research group within the Faculty of Engineering with expertise in building physics, thermal energy systems, and low-carbon technologies. The group has strong links with industry and international collaborators, and actively supports interdisciplinary research in energy decarbonisation. We foster a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive research environment, and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and career pathways.

About You

• Demonstrate a PhD (or near completion) in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Show experience or strong interest in thermal energy storage or related energy systems
• Have experience or strong ability to work with and analyse large experimental or field datasets
• Show experience using laboratory facilities for material characterisation and performance evaluation
• Show strong motivation to contribute to research on industrial decarbonisation and low-carbon energy technologies

What We Offer

• A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment with excellent opportunities for career development
• Hybrid working arrangements with a blend of home and campus-based working
• Generous holiday entitlement (27–30 days plus bank holidays and university closure days)
• Access to training, development, and career progression opportunities
• University fitness, health, and wellbeing facilities
• Staff discounts, travel schemes, and a wide range of additional benefits

What Next

This is a fixed-term position until 30 November 2026. The role will involve contributing to research outputs, supporting postgraduate researchers, and engaging in dissemination activities, including publications and stakeholder engagement. Further details are available in the role profile.

Contact Information

• To apply, please click ‘Apply Now’ and complete your application.
• Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof Yupeng Wu, tel: 0115 7484011 Or email Yupeng.Wu@nottingham.ac.uk.
• Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Working Arrangements

The role is offered at 20 hours per week. Please indicate your preferred working pattern in your application. Job share arrangements may also be considered.

Further Details

To view the Job Description/Role Profile, please click here.