Research Fellow in Energy and Transport Modelling(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Automotive Jobs
Uk
January 5, 2026
Full Time Permanent
Apply Now

Job Description

About the Energy Institute and Shipping Research

The UCL Energy Institute hosts an internationally recognised research group dedicated to understanding and accelerating the decarbonisation of the global shipping sector. The Shipping and Oceans Research Group combines energy systems modelling, big data analytics, and social science to examine how shipping can transition towards zero emissions while remaining equitable and economically viable.

Our work informs policymakers, industry leaders, and international organisations by integrating:

  • High-resolution shipping data
  • Advanced simulation and optimisation models
  • Policy, economic, and behavioural analysis

Through this multidisciplinary approach, the group supports evidence-based decision-making aligned with UK and international climate goals

National Context: The TransiT Research Hub

UCL is a core partner in TransiT, a major UK research hub focused on digital twinning for transport decarbonisation. TransiT brings together eight leading universities and over sixty industry partners and represents a £46 million investment from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and stakeholders.

The hub plays a national coordination role in building UK capability in digital twinning for critical transport networks, supporting long-term decarbonisation pathways across maritime, aviation, and land transport systems

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Research Fellow in Energy and Transport Modelling to lead digital-twin-based modelling for maritime freight and passenger transport decarbonisation within the TransiT programme.

Based in the Shipping and Oceans Research Group at the UCL Energy Institute, you will work closely with Dr Tristan Smith and Dr Nishatabbas Rehmatulla, as well as researchers across multiple universities and industry partners.

This role offers a rare opportunity to shape nationally significant digital infrastructure for transport modelling while contributing to cutting-edge research, policy analysis, and real-world impact.

Key Responsibilities

As a Research Fellow, you will:

  • Lead the design and development of digital twin models for maritime transport systems
  • Build and maintain software architectures and simulation tools that are robust, transparent, and reusable
  • Collaborate across TransiT workstreams to ensure modelling outputs are accessible to diverse technical and non-technical users
  • Contribute to shipping emissions modelling and broader energy system analysis within the research group
  • Support interdisciplinary research involving engineers, economists, social scientists, and data scientists
  • Where appropriate, contribute to consultancy projects for industry and policymakers
  • Support MSc teaching and supervise PhD students within the shipping research group

About You

Essential Criteria

You will bring:

  • A PhD in energy systems, engineering, data analytics, quantitative methods, mathematics, or a related discipline
  • Strong programming experience (e.g. Python, R, MATLAB, or similar languages)
  • Experience developing or applying simulation, optimisation, or systems models
  • Advanced data handling skills, including statistics or machine-learning techniques
  • The ability to manage deadlines and deliver high-quality outputs within large, multi-institutional projects
  • You will also be comfortable working in highly interdisciplinary environments and integrating knowledge across technical, economic, and social domains.

International Applicants & Visas

UCL welcomes applications from international candidates and is licensed to sponsor eligible applicants under UK Visas and Immigration routes, including:

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

https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

Salary & Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, UCL offers an extensive benefits package, including:

  • 41 days’ annual leave (annual leave, bank holidays, and closure days)
  • Defined benefit CARE pension scheme
  • Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loans
  • Immigration loans and relocation support (where applicable)
  • On-site nursery and gym facilities
  • Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
  • Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing services

Relevant government guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/workplace-pensions

Flexible and Inclusive Working

UCL supports flexible and hybrid working arrangements wherever possible, in line with UK employment legislation:

https://www.gov.uk/flexible-working

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

UCL is committed to creating a working environment where everyone feels valued and supported. We actively encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in academia, including candidates from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ individuals, and women at senior grades.

The department holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising meaningful progress in advancing gender equality.

Related Jobs