Research Assistant/Associate Sustainable Bioenergy and Policy (Internal Only)

The Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) at Aston University seeks applications for a Researcher Assistant/Associate to carry out social, socio-economic and policy research on bioenergy systems in the Philippines and India. This position offers the unique opportunity to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment and apply social science in an engineering-focused research area. 

This role is part of the RICE (Renewable, Inclusive, Carbon-positive Energy), funded by Innovate UK under Energy Catalyst Round 10. The project aims to transform energy access and deliver innovative, market-focused energy solutions in the in the Philippines and India and other rice producing countries. The project supports the development of carbon-positive energy solutions in the Global South, focusing on environmental sustainability and inclusivity.

You will conduct social and socio-economic research on bioenergy systems relevant to the project. You will be responsible for working with the project team in 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, you will be responsible for liaising and engaging with all project partners, communicating and publishing results, and engaging with external stakeholders and users of the research.

You will be based at EBRI, Aston University, UK and be part of the EBRI Systems group.

The researcher will regularly meet and liaise with colleagues and project partners to ensure appropriate input, data sharing, and effective dissemination of results. In addition, you will work with colleagues in EBRI to share knowledge, skills and results and engage with a wide variety of external stakeholders about project activities via different ways of communication. ERBI and the Aston Early Career Researcher Forum will 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 EBRI 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 post can be discussed.

This role is likely to meet the criteria for endorsement under the ‘Endorsed Funder’ route of the Global Talent visa. The Global Talent visa route is available for talented and promising academics, researchers and specialists who are working in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, the social sciences or the humanities. Please see the published Home Office guidance: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent. 

Closing Date: 28 Mar 2025

Unit: Teaching & Research

Salary: £33,482 to £40,497 per annum