Senior Research Fellow in Energy and Buildings(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Energy Institute

The UCL Energy Institute is a leading centre for interdisciplinary research focused on understanding and transforming energy systems to support a globally sustainable future. The Institute brings together expertise from engineering, data science, social science, policy, and the built environment to analyse how energy is produced, distributed, and used, and how these systems can be redesigned to meet climate, social, and economic goals.

The Smart Energy Research Group (SERG)

This role is based within the Smart Energy Research Group (SERG), a dynamic and growing research group specialising in data-driven analysis of energy use in residential buildings. SERG leads and contributes to a wide portfolio of UK and international projects funded by research councils, government departments, and industry partners. The group’s work informs policy, supports innovation, and improves understanding of how homes can become more energy-efficient, flexible, and low-carbon.

The Role

We are seeking a Senior Research Fellow in Energy and Buildings to play a key role across SERG’s research portfolio. The post-holder will contribute to multiple projects examining energy demand, housing stock characteristics, and household energy use, with a strong emphasis on robust data analysis and evidence generation.

A central element of the role is the development, curation, and stewardship of SERG’s data assets. This includes applying best-practice approaches to data management, quality assurance, and data linkage to ensure datasets are research-ready, reusable, and fit for long-term use.

The role also involves close collaboration with external partners, including the Energy Demand Observatory and Laboratory (EDOL) team at the University of Oxford, as well as engagement with stakeholders across government, industry, and academia.

Key Responsibilities

Research and Analysis

• Conduct high-quality, data-driven research on energy use in residential buildings.
• Apply statistical, quantitative, and data science methods to large and complex datasets.
• Contribute to research outputs including reports, academic papers, and policy briefings.

Data Asset Development

• Lead the management and enhancement of SERG’s core data assets.
• Implement best-practice data management processes, including data cleaning, validation, documentation, and linkage.
• Ensure compliance with data governance, security, and reproducibility standards.

Collaboration and Engagement

• Work closely with project partners, particularly the EDOL team at the University of Oxford.
• Engage with stakeholders from government (including DESNZ), industry, and the academic community.
• Support knowledge exchange activities and dissemination of research findings.

About You

You will be an experienced and motivated researcher with:

• A degree (or equivalent experience) with a strong focus on data science, statistics, quantitative research, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience managing and analysing data in a rigorous and transparent manner.
• A track record of data-driven research related to energy, buildings, or closely aligned fields.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work across multiple projects and stakeholders.

What We Offer

UCL offers a supportive and inclusive research environment alongside a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 41 days of leave per year (annual leave, bank holidays, and closure days)
• Defined benefit career-average pension scheme (CARE)
• Option to purchase additional annual leave
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Cycle-to-work scheme and season ticket loans
• Immigration loan and relocation support (where applicable)
• On-site nursery, gym, and wellbeing services
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Employee assistance and staff support programmes

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

UCL is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and supported. We believe diversity of background, experience, and perspective strengthens our research and teaching.

We particularly encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in higher education, including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ communities, and women at senior research grades. The department holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising sustained progress in advancing gender equality.

Application and Enquiries

A full job description and person specification are available via the online application system.

Relevant UK Government Context and Guidance

This role aligns closely with UK policy priorities on energy efficiency, housing, and the transition to net zero. Applicants may find the following UK government resources relevant:

• Energy Security Strategy: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/british-energy-security-strategy
• Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ): https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-energy-security-and-net-zero
• Skilled Worker and Global Talent visas: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Visa Information

UCL is licensed to sponsor eligible international applicants under UK Visas and Immigration rules. Appointments are subject to meeting the requirements for visa sponsorship and UCL Terms and Conditions of Service.