Partially Remote (some attendance required)
Postdoc
44584 EUR
(48500 USD)
Fiona Owens
The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) wishes to make an appointment to its climate and energy modelling team. The position is a 3-year, fixed-term post and will entail close cooperation with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), which is Ireland’s national energy authority investing in, and delivering, effective and sustainable solutions to help Ireland’s transition to a clean energy future. The post also entails an adjunct position at Trinity College Dublin.
The Institute
The ESRI, founded in 1960, is located in Dublin’s South Docklands area. Its mission is to produce high quality research, relevant to Ireland’s economic and social development, with the aim of contributing to knowledge and informing policymaking and public debate. It has over 100 staff including economists, sociologists and other social scientists, in addition to support and technical staff.
Climate & Energy Research at the ESRI
The ESRI has an active climate and energy economics research group. Research projects include the Energy Policy Research Centre (EPRC), a multi-annual research programme funded by contributions from public and private sector stakeholders, along with several programmes funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland. Academic collaborations are ongoing with researchers both in Ireland and overseas plus we also enjoy strong collaboration and engagement with industry stakeholders, the energy/climate ministry, and the energy regulator through biannual research steering meetings, as well as bilateral engagements through the year.
Role Description
Energy research at the ESRI draws heavily on optimisation and game theory modelling. We require a new postdoctoral research fellow who can contribute to the modelling of the Irish energy system using optimisation models and techniques. The successful candidate will utilise our electricity and heat models that have been developed within the ESRI (see https://www.esri.ie/current-research/engine-model) as well as developing their own models and methodologies. The particular application of this modelling is the decarbonisation of the heating sector in Ireland. This work will include strong collaboration with the Engineering Department in Trinity College Dublin via the Science Foundation Ireland-funded NexSys programme (https://www.nexsys-energy.ie/).
The candidate’s research will have at least two anticipated outlets. First, research papers are expected to be published in leading international, peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences. Second, research and policy recommendations will assist the ESRI in its roles advising Government, homeowners, businesses, and communities on the transition to a low-carbon future. The research team will regularly engage through bilateral meetings with stakeholders in the energy sector including the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
The successful candidate will have a PhD (completed or nearing completion) in a quantitative discipline, which includes the use and application of optimisation and/or operations research methodologies. The ideal candidate will have a background in energy research and will have their work published in leading international, peer-reviewed journals, although neither of these aspects are a requirement. The appointee will be expected to take a lead in defining and developing the methods applied in the project and ideally should have experience in developing models independently.
Candidates with the following skills are encouraged to apply:
- Advanced optimisation/OR modelling skills and strong computer skills;
- Flexibility and coordination skills;
- Ability to work collaboratively with engineering colleagues in TCD and also in industry;
- Analytical and quantitative modelling skills (e.g., applied modelling, statistical analysis, etc.);
- Excellent writing, interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to write policy reports and peer reviewed journal papers;
The following skills are not required but are desirable:
- Research interest and knowledge in climate or energy economics;
- Ability to present and communicate research findings to non-technical and technical audiences;
- Demonstrated ability to work successfully in teams and on their own initiative;
- Interest in policy related research, particularly in the area of climate and energy economics;
- Experience of engaging with research/policy stakeholders.
The successful candidate should have experience in independently developing their research work and have the flexibility and capacity to contribute to other areas of ESRI research.
Location
The ESRI is based at Whitaker Square, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2. Applicants should note that staff have the option of working on a ‘blended’ basis with a minimum requirement of one day per week based in the ESRI office. The arrangement is running on a pilot basis and full details will be provided at interview.
Terms & Application Procedure
The role is full-time (35 hours per week - standard working hours are 09.30-17.30, Monday – Friday; flexible working hours are supported). Appointments will be on a three-year, fixed-term contract basis and starting salary will be €44,584, which is the first point of the ESRI Administrative Officer (Higher) salary scale.
The ESRI is currently conducting selection processes via videoconference (MS Teams or Zoom).
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Thursday, 02 February 2023. All applications will be acknowledged. Late or incomplete applications will not be processed.
The selection process will consist of a preliminary interview and, for candidates successful at that stage, a final interview, presentation and written assessment.
The ESRI is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to accommodating the needs of people with disabilities to enable them to participate in the selection process. Please let us know if you have any particular requirements should you be invited for assessment/interview or that you wish us to take into account when considering your application.
