Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£45,281 per annum (dependent on experience)

About the Role
Join the University of East London (UEL), a vibrant and forward-thinking institution with a 125-year legacy of shaping futures through exceptional education and career-focused opportunities. UEL is proud to be recognised as the University of the Year for Teaching Quality in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

The Sustainability Research Institute (SRI) at UEL is a leading centre for real-world sustainable innovation, delivering impactful research and collaborations that support the transition to a low-carbon, resilient, and environmentally responsible future. Our research spans blue/green infrastructure, sustainable materials and resources, and sustainable society.

We are seeking a motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Researcher to lead cutting-edge research into microgrid systems, clean energy integration, and sustainable electricity solutions. You will play a pivotal role in developing and scaling the London Renewable Energy Demonstrator Lab (LREL), a flagship initiative combining solar, wind, battery storage, and next-generation digital and modelling tools.

This role is ideal for a researcher who thrives at the intersection of engineering, data science, and industry collaboration, driven by the opportunity to create real-world solutions to complex energy challenges. You will lead modelling, optimisation, and feasibility studies, engage with collaborators and stakeholders, advance system design, and translate emerging technologies into pilot-scale applications.

Key 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
- Support retrofit strategies integrating renewable technologies with existing energy infrastructure
- 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

Experience
- PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Data Science or a related discipline
- Proven experience with renewable energy technologies and microgrid integration
- Experience working on applied or industry-facing research projects
- Strong publication record and experience disseminating high quality research
- Familiarity with technology readiness approaches and stakeholder engagement
- Understanding of retrofitting, energy storage integration, PPAs and off-take agreements

About You
- Ability to work across engineering, data and sustainability domains
- Excellent analytical, organisational and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
- Proactive, problem-solving attitude and openness to innovation
- Enjoy turning research into tangible solutions and working with industry and external partners
- Passion for mentoring emerging researchers and pushing the boundaries of sustainable energy innovation
- Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced research environment

Qualifications
- PhD in a relevant discipline as stated above