R220645 – Research Associate – Social and Socio-economics Science in Bioenergy

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EBRI
Location:
Aston University Main Campus
Salary:

£35,333 to £37,474
per annum
Grade:  Grade 08
Contract Type: 
Fixed Term

(24 months)
Basis: 
Full Time
Closing Date:  23.59 hours GMT on Tuesday 01 November 2022
Interview Date: 
Tuesday 08 November 2022
Reference:  R220645
Release Date:  Tuesday 04 October 2022

The Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) at Aston University seeks applications for a post-doctoral researcher to carry out social, socio-economic and policy research on bioenergy systems in the Philippines. This position offers the unique opportunity to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment and apply social science in an engineering-focused research area. We are proud to provide a supportive environment for early career researchers and offer mentoring/shadowing and other development opportunities to support staff in transitioning to new roles. The ERBI Systems group offers a buddy scheme to support new staff in their new working environment. Furthermore, flexible working and dynamic working are supported for this role and part-time opportunities for this post can be discussed.

This role is part of the Rice Straw Biogas Hub, funded by Innovate UK under Energy Catalyst Round 8. The project supports the transformation of energy access and highly innovative, market-focused energy solutions in the Global South. After successfully establishing a rice straw biogas pilot plant in the Philippines, the researcher will work with industrial, academic and third sector partners to identify and evaluate commercialisation opportunities.

The researcher will be based at EBRI, Aston University, UK and be part of the EBRI Systems group. However, the researcher will also be required to conduct fieldwork and research activities in the Philippines.

The researcher will conduct social, socio-economic and policy research on bioenergy systems relevant to the project. This includes conducting interviews and stakeholder engagement with the local community in different and project-relevant locations. The researcher will be responsible for developing the analytical framework, analysing data and making recommendations to the commercial project partners supporting the development and commercialisation of their business models. In addition, the researcher will be responsible for liaising and engaging with project partners, communicating and publishing results, and engaging with external stakeholders and users of the research.

Knowledge of bioenergy systems, renewable energy and sustainability is essential, and the researcher is expected to hold a first degree and PhD in a relevant subject. In addition, experience in social and socio-economic assessment, fieldwork and stakeholder engagement is required. An excellent standard of oral and written communication is essential, as are demonstrated skills of independent working, time management and successful delivery of objectives.

For enquiries, please get in touch with Mirjam Roeder (m.roeder@aston.ac.uk ) or Iram Razaq (i.razaq2@aston.ac.uk ) to arrange an informal discussion.

Please note that inclusive recruitment will be carried out for this role as part of Aston University’s commitment to equality and diversity and ensuring a fair and consistent approach to recruitment. Personal details that are included on application forms, including the candidate’s name and address will not be disclosed to the shortlisting panel. Applicants will be assessed on the basis of their answers to the questions on the application form. CV will not be used in the initial shortlisting process. We kindly ask that candidates do not send cover letters as these will not be considered. 

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.  It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We are committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter http://www.ecu.ac.uk/equality-charter-marks/athena-swan/ , recognised by a silver award, and we are a Disability Confident Employer Level 2. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, including race and sexual orientation, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk .