Job Description
About the Energy Institute
The UCL Energy Institute brings together expertise from across science, engineering, economics, and policy to address one of the defining challenges of our time: the transition to a secure, equitable, and sustainable global energy system.
Our work spans energy systems modelling, data science, environmental economics, and policy analysis. We combine cutting-edge research with practice-oriented education, preparing graduates to lead change across industry, academia, and government while ensuring that our research delivers real-world impact.
The Opportunity
We are 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-driven approaches within the energy sector.
This role is ideal for an academic motivated by interdisciplinary collaboration and committed to advancing the energy transition through innovative use of data. You will play a key role in shaping education and research at the intersection of sustainability, energy systems, and artificial intelligence.
In addition to contributing to core teaching and supervision, the successful candidate will take on a leadership role as Deputy Director of the MSc Energy Systems and Data Analytics (ESDA) programme.
Key Responsibilities
Teaching & Academic Leadership
You will:
Deliver teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including:
- MSc Energy Systems and Data Analytics
- Sustainable Built Environments
- BSc/MEng Energy and Resources
- Lead or co-lead two core modules (or equivalent) aligned with your expertise
- Act as Deputy Director of the MSc ESDA programme, contributing to academic leadership and curriculum development
- Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations and projects
- Serve as a personal tutor for undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Design and deliver research-led teaching in line with UCL’s Connected Curriculum
- Set, mark, and assess coursework and examinations, providing timely and constructive feedback
Research & Scholarly Activity
You will be expected to:
- Build and sustain a high-quality, internationally visible research portfolio
- Publish in leading journals and contribute to impact-driven research
- Pursue external research funding aligned with UK and international priorities for sustainable energy
- Collaborate across disciplines and with external partners, including industry and policymakers
- Your work will align closely with national energy and sustainability priorities, including those set out in the UK government’s long-term strategies:
About You
Essential Qualifications & Expertise
You will bring:
A PhD in a quantitative discipline (e.g. data science, engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or similar) with a thesis directly relevant to the energy transition
Deep expertise in:
- Supervised and unsupervised machine learning
- Deep learning techniques
- Optimisation and energy systems modelling
- A strong research track record in applying ML and AI to energy, transport, or buildings data
Desirable Research Experience
Experience in one or more of the following will be highly advantageous:
- Time-series forecasting for energy demand or generation
- Reinforcement learning for smart grids or energy optimisation
- Causal inference and policy evaluation
- Large-scale energy datasets and real-world system modelling
- You will also demonstrate a commitment to research-led education and innovative teaching practices in advanced data analytics.
Visa Sponsorship
UCL is a licensed sponsor and welcomes applications from international candidates. Appointment is subject to meeting eligibility requirements under UK Visas and Immigration regulations:
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Salary & Benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, UCL offers an extensive benefits package, including:
- 41 days’ leave (annual leave, bank holidays, and closure days)
- Defined benefit CARE pension scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loans
- Immigration loan and relocation support (where applicable)
- On-site nursery and gym facilities
- Enhanced family leave policies
- Staff wellbeing and employee assistance programmes
Relevant government guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/workplace-pensions
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
As London’s Global University, UCL is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive academic community. We actively encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in higher education, including candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ individuals, and women—particularly for senior academic roles.
The department holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, reflecting sustained commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusive career progression.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted via UCL’s online recruitment system and include:
- A current academic CV
- A completed application form
- A supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role