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 since 2001 across 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. This role involves 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 position is ideal for a researcher passionate about the intersection of engineering, data science, and industry collaboration, driven to create real-world solutions to complex energy challenges. Responsibilities include leading modelling, optimisation and feasibility studies, engaging with collaborators and stakeholders, advancing system design, and translating emerging technologies into pilot-scale applications.

Key activities include designing and optimising microgrid systems using advanced simulation tools, collaborating with industry partners to enhance technology readiness, supporting retrofit strategies integrating renewable technologies, engaging with policymakers and stakeholders, piloting clean energy solutions using the LREL microgrid testbed, mentoring students and junior researchers, producing high-quality publications, supporting funding applications, and translating research into implementation pathways.

Experience
- PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Data Science or 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, power purchase agreements (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 with openness to innovation
- Enthusiastic about turning research into tangible solutions
- Enjoy working with industry and external partners
- Committed to mentoring emerging researchers
- Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced research environment

Qualifications
- PhD in a relevant discipline as stated above