Research Fellow in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research. 

We have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.  

Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively make a real difference. 

The role

Applications are invited for a full-time postdoctoral research fellow position, with a 12 (possible extension of up to 24 months).

The post is part of a Horizon Europe project that aims to develop sustainable vehicles. The role will encompass activities related to electric powertrain, including life cycle data analysis, impact assessment, batteries, integration with solar panels. It will also involve interpreting and reporting Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results to identify sustainability improvements, as well as collaborating with project participants. Additionally, the role includes documenting findings in formal reports and contributing to the development of high-quality journal and conference papers and other necessary outputs. The research will be carried out with collaborators from several industrial and academic institutions. A budget for travel expenses will be provided.

About you

This is a Research Fellow position, so the successful candidate must have a strong background in environmental engineering and should hold a Ph.D. degree in environmental engineering. Also, knowledge in the following areas is required:

1.    Conducting LCA for sustainability assessment of fuel cells, batteries, photovoltaic (PV) technologies, materials and devices. 

2.    Assessing of environmental impacts of building, station or vehicle integration of PV technologies.

3.    Experience in collecting data and inventory modelling.

4.    Life Cycle Impact Assessment.

5.    Background in LCA and ISO 14040/14044 standards.

6.    Knowledge of electric vehicles, energy systems, and their components.

7.    Familiarity with air pollution from transportation, such as greenhouse gas emissions, particulate matter.

8.    Experience in LCA tools (Simapro, OpenLCA etc.)

9.    Strong research and statistical analytical skills.

10.    Academic writing portfolio.

You need to have good programming and experimental skills. The candidates should be motivated and enthusiastic to work in a team environment and should have experience in communicating findings in journal papers.

The appointee will join the Software Defined EV and AV Laboratory at the Centre of Automotive Engineering of the School of Engineering at the University of Surrey, which has research interests in a wide range of topics, including active vehicle dynamics, electric powertrains, transmission systems for electric and hybrid electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, tires, batteries as well as costing and sustainability.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please upload a CV, cover letter and complete the application form on the University website.

For further information, please contact Reader Ahu Ece Hartavi Karci – Head of Centre of Automotive Engineering, (email a.hartavikarci@surrey.ac.uk).

The University of Surrey reserves the right to close this vacancy early based on Volume and Calibre of applications.

Closing Date: 01 Jun 2025

Area: Research & Teaching

Salary: £37,174 to £45,413 per annum