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

Job Description

About the UCL Energy Institute

The UCL Energy Institute works at the forefront of research addressing one of the defining challenges of our time: how to deliver a secure, affordable, and sustainable global energy system. The Institute brings together researchers from across disciplines to analyse energy use, model energy systems, and inform policy and practice through robust, evidence-based insights.

Within the Institute, the Smart Energy Research Group (SERG) focuses on data-driven research relating to energy use in residential buildings. SERG leads and contributes to major UK and international research and evaluation projects funded by research councils, government departments, and industry partners.

About the Role

UCL is seeking a Senior Research Fellow in Energy and Buildings to contribute to SERG’s portfolio of projects examining how energy is used in homes and how data can support better decision-making across policy, industry, and academia.

The role has a strong emphasis on applied, data-intensive research. You will work across multiple projects, analysing large datasets related to residential energy use and supporting the development of high-quality, research-ready data assets.

A key part of the role involves establishing and maintaining best-practice data management processes, including data quality assurance and data linkage, to ensure that SERG’s datasets are robust, well-documented, and fit for purpose.

You will also work closely with external partners, including the EDOL team at the University of Oxford, as well as stakeholders across government (including the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero), industry, and the academic community.

Funding for the post is secured until January 2027, with the possibility of extension subject to further funding.

Key Responsibilities

Research and Data Leadership

• Undertake high-quality research on energy use in residential buildings
• Manage, clean, link, and analyse large and complex datasets
• Apply best-practice approaches to data governance and research data management
• Contribute to reports, academic publications, and policy-facing outputs

Collaboration and Engagement

• Work closely with SERG partners, including collaborators at the University of Oxford
• Engage with government, industry, and academic stakeholders
• Support interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange
• Contribute to the strategic development of SERG’s research activities

About You

You will have a strong quantitative background, with a degree (or equivalent experience) in a discipline such as data science, statistics, engineering, economics, or a related field.

You will also bring:

• Demonstrable experience managing and analysing data in a rigorous, transparent manner
• Applied experience conducting data-driven research related to energy, buildings, or housing

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research team
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage a range of audiences

Immigration and UK Visa Sponsorship

UCL holds a Home Office sponsor licence and welcomes applications from international candidates who require visa sponsorship, subject to eligibility under UK Visas and Immigration regulations.

Relevant UK Government resources:

Skilled Worker visa: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Global Talent visa: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

What UCL Offers

UCL provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:

• 41 days of leave per year (annual leave, bank holidays, and closure days)
• Option to purchase up to 5 additional days of annual leave
• Defined benefit CARE pension scheme
• Immigration loan and relocation support (where eligible)
• On-site nursery and gym facilities
• Cycle-to-work scheme and season ticket loans
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Employee assistance and wellbeing services
• Discounted private medical insurance

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

UCL is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment where everyone can thrive. We value diversity as a driver of creativity, innovation, and excellence, and we actively encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in higher education.

These include people from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ individuals, and women in senior academic roles. The department holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising sustained commitment and impact in advancing gender equality.

Further Information and Applications

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