Lecturer in Data Analytics and Sustainability

Job Description

About the UCL Energy Institute

The UCL Energy Institute sits at the heart of research and education supporting the global transition to sustainable energy systems. By combining expertise in data science, engineering, environmental economics, and policy, the Institute addresses complex energy challenges spanning electricity, transport, buildings, and resources.

Our mission is to deliver research with tangible societal impact, educate future leaders in sustainability and energy analytics, and collaborate closely with industry, government and international partners to inform real-world decision-making.
More information about our work can be found at: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/energy/

About the Role

UCL is seeking to appoint a Lecturer in Energy Data Analytics and Sustainability with a strong research and teaching focus on advanced data analytics, machine learning, and AI applications within the energy sector.

This role is designed for an academic who is passionate about the energy transition, enjoys working across disciplinary boundaries, and is motivated to apply data-driven methods to sustainability challenges. The successful candidate will contribute to teaching, research leadership, programme development, and institutional service.

A key element of the role includes serving as Deputy Director of the MSc Energy Systems and Data Analytics (ESDA) programme, supporting its academic leadership and strategic development.

Teaching and Academic Responsibilities

You will play a central role in delivering high-quality, research-led education across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Key responsibilities include:

Teaching two core modules (or equivalent) in data analytics, energy systems, or sustainability

Contributing to programmes including:

• MSc Energy Systems and Data Analytics
• Sustainable Built Environments
• Energy and Resources BSc and MEng
• Supervising undergraduate, MSc and PhD students
• Acting as a personal tutor for undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Designing learning activities aligned with UCL’s Connected Curriculum framework
• Setting, marking and assessing coursework and examinations, with timely feedback
• Contributing to curriculum innovation and programme leadership activities

Research Responsibilities

The post holder will be expected to build and sustain an internationally visible research profile aligned with the Institute’s strategic priorities. This includes:

• Developing an independent research programme in energy data analytics and sustainability
• Conducting high-quality research using advanced machine learning and AI methods
• Publishing in leading peer-reviewed journals
• Contributing to grant applications and collaborative research projects
• Engaging with policymakers and external stakeholders to maximise research impact
• Your work may support evidence-based energy policy and align with national priorities such as the UK’s Net Zero strategy

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• PhD in a quantitative discipline (e.g. data science, engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, or energy systems)
• Doctoral research directly relevant to the energy transition and sustainability

Strong expertise in:

• Supervised and unsupervised machine learning
• Deep learning methods
• Optimisation and large-scale data modelling

Research experience applying ML and AI to:

• Energy systems, transport or buildings
• Time-series forecasting and prediction
• Smart grids and energy optimisation
• Experience of research-led teaching in data analytics or advanced ML
• Excellent communication and collaborative skills

Desirable Experience

• Reinforcement learning for energy system optimisation
• Causal inference and policy evaluation
• Interdisciplinary research collaboration
• Engagement with industry or public sector partners

Visa Sponsorship

UCL is licensed to sponsor international applicants who require permission to work in the UK, subject to eligibility under UK Visas and Immigration regulations

Salary and Benefits

UCL offers a competitive reward package, including:

• Salary between £54,931 – £64,644 per annum
• 41 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays and closure days)
• Defined benefit CARE pension scheme
• Additional annual leave purchase scheme
• Cycle to Work and season ticket loan schemes
• Immigration loan and relocation support (where applicable)
• On-site nursery and gym facilities
• Enhanced family leave policies
• Staff Support Service and wellbeing programmes

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

UCL is committed to creating an inclusive academic community where all staff and students can thrive. We value diversity as a driver of creativity, excellence and innovation.

Applications are particularly encouraged from individuals who are under-represented in academia, including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ individuals, and women in senior academic roles. The department holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising its sustained commitment to advancing gender equality.