2 x Post-Doctoral/Senior Post-Doctoral Researchers – EPMG

We are seeking two energy systems analysts and modellers. These roles involve high-impact analysis of external shocks to the energy decarbonisation pathway. The selected candidates will focus on assessing energy security challenges in Ireland, particularly cross-border risks affecting Ireland’s decarbonisation pathways. Moreover, the impact of various risk mitigation solutions such as electrification, energy storage, enhanced interconnections, energy diversification, and demand control strategies are quantified. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in engineering, science, or economics, with strong quantitative and analytical skills, and a background in energy transition analysis and policy-relevant, multidisciplinary research. Experience with energy and power systems modelling frameworks is highly valued. Applicants nearing the completion of their PhDs are also invited to submit applications.

Project Title: Safeguarding Ireland’s Energy Transition against Critical Materials Supply Disruption and Geopolitical Dynamics
 
Post Duration: 21 Months
 
Salary: €44,847 – €51,313 p.a. (IUA PD1 Scale)/€52,715 – €57,332 p.a. (IUA PD 2 Scale)
 
For an information package including further details of the post see https://ore.ucc.ie/
 
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Vahid Aryanpur | Email: ei.ccu@rupnayra.dihav
 
Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal (https://ore.ucc.ie/). Queries relating to the online application process should be referred to ei.ccu@tnemtiurcer, quoting the job-title and project name.

Project Information

The research project, SHIELD, is funded by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It aims to analyse Ireland’s energy system transition in light of international energy security challenges. As Ireland moves towards a carbon-neutral future, global geopolitical dynamics and uncertainties in the supply of critical materials threaten energy system resilience. This transition relies on advanced technologies and renewable fuels. Therefore, unlike traditional fossil-based energy system, advanced technologies and alternative fuels will play a key role in future Ireland’s energy systems. Consequently, Ireland must address new energy security risks, such as the limited availability or high cost of clean technologies and zero-emission fuels, as well as traditional cross-border risks in power and gas interconnectors. Through both qualitative and quantitative analysis, SHIELD identifies and tackles these challenges, helping Ireland address external energy security risks. This multidisciplinary project addresses the complexities of the energy transition by balancing energy security, affordability, and environmental sustainability. It will provide critical evidence to support effective policymaking. See more details here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/epmg/research/shield/
 
The key objectives of this project are:
•     Identifying global risks that may impact the resilience of energy system transition across energy security, affordability, and environmental sustainability.
•     Mapping interactions between global risks, especially geopolitical conflicts and critical materials supply chain disruptions, and their effects on Ireland’s energy system.
•     Quantifying the impacts of the identified global risks on energy supply and demand in Ireland.
•     Analysing vulnerabilities and uncertainties related to critical materials supply disruptions and their effects on Ireland’s energy transition.
•     Identifying potential risk mitigation solutions that could strengthen Ireland’s energy resilience. This includes exploring the benefits and trade-offs of electrification, diversifying, interconnection, storage, and demand-side solutions.
•     Assessing potential solutions for building a resilient energy system and prioritise actions to secure energy, ensure affordability, and mitigate environmental impacts
•     Assessing the implications of regional and global disruptions in energy imports on Ireland’s energy security.

MaREI

The MaREI Centre of Energy, Climate and Marine is the Research Ireland centre of excellence in Energy, Climate and Marine research in Ireland. The MaREI Centre includes 13 Universities, Third Level Institutes and Research Organisations, has 103 industrial partners and has research funding of approximately €60m. It combines the expertise of a wide range of research groups and industry partners, with the shared mission of solving the main scientific, technical and socio-economic challenges across the energy, climate and marine domains. Researchers in the MaREI Centre have over 30 years of experience in conducting fundamental and applied research supported by competitively won national and international funding, and commercial contracts with government agencies and industry. MaREI’s strengths lie in the multi-disciplinary nature of its research teams, allowing it to combine insights across areas such as Marine Renewable Energy Technologies, Materials & Structures, Observations & Operations, Coastal & Marine Systems, Bioenergy, Circular Economy, Energy Policy & Modelling, and Renewable Energy Management.

Energy Policy and Modelling Group (EPMG)

MaREI’s Energy Policy and Modelling Group (Energy Policy and Modelling Group | University College Cork (ucc.ie) has been engaged in energy policy and energy modelling research for over 20 years. The results of this research have been published in journal papers, conference proceedings and reports which have directly informed the development of national and European energy and climate mitigation policy. The group are very engaged in disseminating research findings and have won research awards for impact, engagement, and communications of research findings. The focus of research is on integrated energy systems modelling comprising i) sectoral energy demand and efficiency, ii) integrated electricity, gas and water modelling and iii) full energy systems modelling. The group is led by Prof. Brian Ó Gallachóir (Chair of Energy Engineering; Chair of the Executive Committee of the IEA Technology Collaboration Programme on energy systems modelling (IEA-ETSAP)), Professor Hannah Daly (Professor of Sustainable Energy), Dr Paul Deane (Senior Research Fellow in Energy Futures) and Dr Fionn Rogan (Senior Research Fellow in Energy Systems Modelling).
 

Working Location

The successful applicants will be based in UCC’s Environmental Research Institute (ERI) Ellen Hutchins Building (https://www.ucc.ie/en/eri/), which is an internationally-recognised institute for environmental research dedicated to the understanding and protection of our natural environment and to developing innovative technologies, tools and services to facilitate a transformation to a zero-carbon and resource- efficient society. Overlooking a protected natural reserve and the River Lee, the ERI is a welcoming, diverse and modern workplace.

Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Friday 20th December 2024.
 
No late applications will be accepted.

Meet the Team

All MaREI Team Members
Vahid Aryanpur
Senior Post Doctoral Reseacher