Research Fellow in Energy Systems & Integration (m/w/d)

Job Description

The role offers the opportunity to lead research within IERC at Tyndall National Institute in accordance with the Institute's strategic growth plan. Complementing this vision, you will articulate a cutting-edge research programme that will address some of the outstanding challenges in the development of intelligent and innovative solutions for decarbonising the energy system.

As a Research Fellow, you will lead the development and integration of renewable gases in Irish energy system specially in gas grid of Ireland within IERC to advance research in the areas of systems modelling and smart energy system. You will be a key contributor to developing and executing IERC's research vision.
Working under the guidance of the Head of Group of IERC, you will be expected to lead a number of existing projects whilst also growing your own independent research programme in order to develop a fully independent dedicated team of highly skilled research staff and PhD students.

The role offers a superb opportunity for an aspiring researcher to realise their research vision and advance their career as part of a world-class multi-disciplinary, collaborative research ecosystem with cutting-edge facilities. You will be pivotal in fostering and developing deep, collaborations across IERC and Tyndall, as well as nationally through RI research centres, and internationally through programmes such as the Horizon Europe funding framework. In addition, you will be encouraged and supported to pursue the exploitation of your ideas with industry and/or through the development of new start-up ventures.

IERC seeks applicants with the desire to be at the forefront of developing the disruptive and transformative energy technologies and concepts that will accelerate decarbonisation towards net zero.
All IERC staff members are expected to understand academic and industrial requirements, together with a sound understanding of the wider energy landscape beyond their area of expertise.

Key Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lead the planning and delivery of key scenarios workstreams within projects, ensuring inputs, timelines, risks and dependencies are managed effectively, and issues are escalated when needed related to models.
• Initiate and steer innovation in market modelling approaches to improve the robustness, accuracy and reliability of results.
• Coordinate technical studies with relevant team members by providing expert support for analysis, interpretation and validation of outcomes.
• Ensure high-quality deliverables by leading the drafting, review and consolidation of reports, documentation and presentations.
• Manage stakeholder engagement and manage effective meetings with clear agendas, action tracking and follow-up.
• Develop a credible and aspiring strategic research vision for their research within IERC that leverages the unique infrastructure, capabilities and full range of expertise of the Tyndall National Institute and UCC.
• Grow the energy system modelling and integration activity and through strong collaborations and outputs develop its international reputation in the field.
• Generate excellent research outcomes as evidenced by influential or milestone publications in leading journals and conferences, e.g., in the top 10% in their field, and promote Open Science and Research Integrity within the team and the IERC and the IPES programme.
• Drive collaboration with others in successful bids for competitive large scale (million ???) grants/awards from national and European funding sources, and Industry to safeguard the financial sustainability.
• Support a team culture that results in high quality postgraduate training and supervision and where professional / personal / career development is a priority.
• Support the Head of Group of IERC to develop and deliver IERC's vision and strategy.
• Contribute to major organisational projects/activities within Tyndall outside of their core research areas and manage their team members to do likewise.
• Contribute to the development of national and international collaborative research networks and create new synergies/collaborations between IERC and other research third party bodies.
• Contribute to the supervision of postdocs, postgraduate research students as supervisor and/or co???supervisor.
• Participate and support in Education and Public Engagement activities.
• Ensure compliance with Tyndall's Health and Safety standards and with Tyndall's Quality Management System with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• A PhD degree in engineering, energy systems & economics, or a related field with typically 8+ years post-doctoral experience.
• Strong knowledge of energy modelling approaches and techniques (e.g., market/system modelling, simulations, scenario-based assessments and multi-criteria decision analysis).
• Identify research challenges and opportunities within energy systems modelling, energy transition, system integration and grid (gas & electric) infrastructure.
• Familiarity with simulation and/or optimisation tools using Python, GAMS or similar.
• Knowledge of C++, C, R studio, Advanced Excel, GitLab version control and others for data processing.
• Strong experience with data management and analysis tools such as MS Excel, Python, Power BI.
• Strong knowledge of project management frameworks and familiarity with multi-stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking with strong personal vision and motivation and excellent negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated leadership of successful funding applications for substantial research projects funded by national or international agencies and/or industry.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as taking a leadership role.

Desirable Criteria

• A proven or growing track record of leading, inspiring and mentoring early career staff or students.
• An excellent and growing international research profile as evidenced by invited talks and publications, awards or prizes and other outputs relating to energy systems modelling and innovation.
• Evidence of creative skills/creativity
• Masters in energy studies, energy systems, renewable energy highly desirable.
• Demonstrated track record in building and growing national/international networks.
• Demonstrated teaching and undergraduate supervision record, ideally with formal teaching qualification for higher education.
• Has successfully supervised/co-supervised a number of post graduate students.
• Takes the lead in executing collaborative research projects in cooperation with colleagues and project partners.
• Communicates their research effectively to the research community and wider society.
• Has contributed to possibilities of technology spin-out via the creation of, or involvement with, a start-up.

What We Offer

Apart from offering a position in a very successful and positive research environment, with a collaborative ethos full of diverse competencies to boost your career, we offer the following:

• Impactful Work: Opportunities to contribute to ground-breaking research and innovation that shape Ireland's economy and the society at large.
• Continuous Learning: Strong support for formal training, further study and professional development.
• Interdisciplinary Environment: Where academia, industry, and innovation intersect - supported by cutting-edge infrastructure and expert knowledge.
• Blended Working: Flexibility to work remotely and on-site, where the role allows.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Access to UCC pension, long-term illness benefit, life assurance, and more.
• Generous Leave: Competitive annual leave entitlements.
• Equity & Inclusion: Athena Swan Bronze award holder, with ongoing initiatives led by a dedicated People and Culture team to ensure equity for all.
• Core Values: A culture grounded in Ambition, Collaboration, Diversity, Excellence, and Integrity.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: A proactive, innovation-driven environment that welcomes entrepreneurial and creative thinkers, including those with start-up experience.
• Supportive Onboarding: Structured induction and mentoring to help new hires integrate and thrive.
• Vibrant Culture: A collaborative, people-first workplace with a strong sense of community.

Terms of Employment

Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term
Duration: Approximately 2 years

Appointment may be made on the Research Fellow scale ???65, 889- ???71,796 per annum. Salary placements point on appointment will be in accordance public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Padraig Lyons.

Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.
Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.