Research Associate (m/w/d)

Job Description

The scope of this role will focus on European Hydrogen markets. Low carbon hydrogen has gained interest from policymakers and industry as a vehicle to decarbonise hard to abate sectors such as industry, transportation, and heating. There are also huge synergies between hydrogen and power markets, with hydrogen potentially playing a role in balancing renewable generation as we decarbonise power systems across Europe.

Based in Oxford, the Associate will play a pivotal role in directing Aurora’s hydrogen analysis. The position suits an experienced analyst or consultant from a top-tier strategic or economic consultancy, energy company, financial services company, or knowledge-driven firm or institution. Prior experience in hydrogen is essential.

Aurora’s European Hydrogen research service provides regular insights to energy players, investors, and government. As part of this, Aurora has developed a market-leading hydrogen modelling suite, which has been used to undertake several major studies into hydrogen market developments surrounding pricing, demand, transport, and the interplay between the hydrogen and power markets. Lastly, Aurora is providing bespoke analysis to clients through consultancy projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead hydrogen research reports from start to finish, under the guidance of the hydrogen product manager
• Analyse hydrogen technologies, write commentary, and develop forecasts, analytical tools, research, and models. These underpin our research service as well as bespoke client work
• Keep abreast of developments in policy, markets, and technology, and then use this to develop and provide data-driven insights to clients on how hydrogen markets could develop
• Represent the firm as an expert in this rapidly evolving market and developing our thought leadership, analysis and subscription product offering in this space
• Examine, model, and explain interactions with the power and gas markets – for example how the growth of hydrogen affects renewables economics
• Present insights in client meetings and presentations

The Associate will report to the hydrogen product manager and work within Aurora’s larger Research and Publications team.

What we are looking for

Required attributes:

• Relevant Master’s degree or PhD
• At least 3 years of experience at a leading consultancy, energy company, financial services company, or other knowledge-driven firm or institution conducting research or market analysis in the hydrogen sector
• Demonstrated success in project and process management in team-oriented environments
• Ability to analyse, interpret, and derive insight from complex quantitative data and information
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with both technically and non-technically minded parties
• Self-starter, entrepreneurial mind-set, and desire to grow the business
• Excellent written communication
• A fast learner with Excel skills or competency or interest in common programming languages (e.g. python, MATLAB)
• Native or professional-level competence in English

Desirable attributes:

• Demonstrated success in client-facing positions
• Knowledge of key financial metrics and economic principles (NPV, IRR, DCF)
• Competence in advanced data analytics (e.g. Python, R, Matlab, Advanced Excel)
• Previous experience of working on energy projects – particularly in a European context
• Competence in other European languages