Post Doctoral Research Associate in Geothermal Energy

The School of Environmental Sciences, University of Hull are looking to recruit a postdoctoral research associate in geothermal energy. The PDRA will join an interdisciplinary team and have the opportunity to develop new methodologies for analysing geological and commercial opportunities for deep geothermal energy in the UK.

The NNZA-funded project “Humber Geothermal Energy (HuGE) - from Model to Market” establishes a new partnership between the University of Hull (UoH), Consortium Drilling Limited (CDL), and Eden Geothermal Limited (EGL). This unique partnership aims to advance the pre-feasibility and feasibility stages of developing deep geothermal energy resources in the Humber region. Combining technical, regulatory, and commercial expertise, it addresses subsurface uncertainties and evaluates commercial viability, promoting regional awareness and policy development for strategic alignment with regional and governmental priorities in relation to Net Zero.

Previous research at the University of Hull highlighted the geothermal resource potential of the Humber Basin, demonstrating significant carbon-saving benefits for SMEs transitioning to geothermal energy. However, high upfront costs limited adoption, even for shallow geothermal systems, without government support. This project shifts focus to deep geothermal supply, addressing geological and commercial risks to unlock these resources for broader markets. It will combine empirical field studies, numerical and analogue modelling and computational approaches to drive a step change in our ability to mitigate the risks associated with bringing geothermal resources to market in the Humber region. By partnering with the UK’s leading deep geothermal energy producer, the project leverages their expertise to advance practical solutions. The project aligns with the 2023 Government White Paper, "The case for deep geothermal energy – unlocking investment at scale in the UK", funded in part by the North East and Yorkshire Net Zero Hub. 

The success of the deep geothermal operation at the Eden Project in Cornwall has demonstrated that early stakeholder engagement is crucial to geothermal feasibility studies. A stakeholder engagement mapping workshop will be conducted at the project's start to identify key stakeholders who may significantly influence the advancement of geothermal energy in the region, together with their specific needs, even where these needs are not immediately obvious.

Closing Date: 05 Aug 2025

Subject Group/Team: Academic

Salary: £39,355 to £45,413