Job DescriptionPosition DetailsSchool of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874
Grade: 7
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to November 2027
Closing date: 24th February 2025
BackgroundThe University of Birmingham is seeking to appoint a Research Fellow in Sustainable Cooling Systems to contribute to the creation of knowledge in terms of whole systems integration of cooling infrastructure. The post holder will work on the £2.8M UKRI Ayrton Challenge Programme project 'Sustainable Cooling Infrastructure for Fisheries in Indonesia (SCI-FI)'.
SCI-FI aims to develop, deploy, and monitor zero emissions and affordable cooling infrastructure as a cooling hub for small-scale fisheries in Indonesia. The project will produce a blueprint to ensure the deployment of such infrastructure can increase cold chain access at affordable cost whilst providing a route to a just and inclusive energy transition in the communities.
This position will focus on analysing, designing and optimising the whole systems integration of cooling hub in small-scale fishing communities. The hub will provide cooling services vital for fisheries: cold storage and ice maker. It will also serve as a focal point in the energy systems of the community or fishing port. The whole systems integration will take an interdisciplinary approach in assisting the design and deployment of the cooling hub to ensure long-term positive impacts for the communities.
The successful applicant will work with a vibrant and interdisciplinary research project team. They will have the opportunity to conduct research with direct engagement with end-users, industry partners, and policymakers. They will be supported to present research work at national and international workshops and conferences. The position is available within the group of Dr Renaldi Renaldi in the School of Chemical Engineering.
Role Summary - Leading relevant research work into the whole systems integration of cooling infrastructure
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary researchers in the UK and Indonesia
- Analyse and interpret research findings and results
- Disseminate research findings in workshops, conferences, and journal publications
Main Duties - Perform research work on whole systems integration of cooling infrastructure
- Develop and validate whole systems optimisation tool
- Collect, analyse and interpret research data
- Develop required policy interventions to promote sustainable cooling infrastructure
- Disseminate research findings in conference and journal publications
- Collaborate with other research institutions and with project partners in the UK and Indonesia
- Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
- Contribute to writing bids for research funding
- Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
- Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
- Undertake management/administration arising from research
- Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
- Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
- Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
- Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
Person Specification - First degree in science, engineering or economic discipline relevant to the project or equivalent experience
- PhD degree (or near completion) in relevant discipline
- High level analytical capability
- Experience on employing the whole systems approach in relevant cases
- Knowledge on the interface between policy and technological solutions
- Close understanding of the contemporary challenges facing the cooling sector
- Knowledge of recent research developments in the cooling sector
- Interdisciplinary research experience linked to understanding complex social, economic and technical challenges
- Peer-reviewed publication track record
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly
- Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
- Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.
Informal enquiries to Dr Renaldi Renaldi, email: r.renaldi@bham.ac.uk
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.
You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.
