Job Description

Job Category: Academic:Grade UE07: xc2xa340,497 to xc2xa348,149 per annum, pro-rata if part timeCAHSS/ School of Social and Political ScienceFull-time: 35 hours per weekFixed term: 29 monthsThe Opportunity:You will conduct research into the development and delivery of neighbourhood-based energy retrofit and heat decarbonisation programmes, with a focus on relational and place-based aspects. This will involve working with communities and delivery agencies to review interventions, delivery mechanisms, outcomes and the role of socio-cultural relations in one, or more, UK case study location.This position offers an experienced researcher the opportunity to join the internationally-leading, multi-disciplinary UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC). UKERC has occupied a unique space in the UK's energy research landscape since 2004, creating and applying interdisciplinary, whole systems research to provide high quality and timely evidence and analysis, and deliver impact. In its fifth phase (2024-2029) UKERC will focus on the multifaceted challenge of delivering the energy transition; conducting a programme of interdisciplinary research on how to transition to a sustainable and inclusive net zero energy system whilst enhancing security and affordability, and working with key stakeholders to provide analysis and insights relevant to the challenges facing decision-makers in government, industry and civil society, helping accelerate an equitable transition.This post is fixed term for 29 months from 1 July 2025.This post is advertised as full time (35 hours per week) but we are open to considering part-time and flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote, within the UK, and regular on-campus working.Your skills and attributes for success:

• A PhD (or equivalent professional qualification), awarded or near completion, in a relevant social science (sociology, environmental psychology, energy geography/policy and/or science and technology studies), with training or skills relevant to the project.
• Expertise in social science research methods including surveys, focus groups and interviews with publics/community groups; policy and practitioner expert interviews; and thematic analysis.
• Research expertise in energy and society, especially retrofit, heat decarbonisation and domestic energy use.
• Knowledge of the current UK landscape of energy retrofit and heat decarbonization, including novel financing approaches.
• Track record of relevant high quality academic research and publication.
• Ability to engage citizens and community groups and communicate in an accessible manner.

(opens new browser tab)As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• A competitive salary of xc2xa340,497- xc2xa348,149 per annum, pro rata if part time
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our

(opens in a new page) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits.As part of your application, please submit a CV and covering letter that addresses your suitability for the role.Informal questions about this post can be directed to the Hiring Manger, Dr Jess Britton, Principal Investigator, via email at .Championing equality, diversity and inclusion:The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our (opens new browser tab).The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office's English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.Please note if the role is offered on a part-time basis, it may result in sponsorship being dependant on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant or the role no longer meeting the Home Office's criteria for sponsorship.Key dates to note:Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.Closing date for applications is 2 June 2025.Interviews will typically be held 2-3 weeks after the closing date.About Us: As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow's greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.About the Team:The School of Social and Political Science (SPS) is one of the largest and most successful schools of social science in the UK, with global reach and local and global impact. Our goals are to promote excellence in education, research and innovation. The School comprises seven Subject Areas plus a number of research and teaching centres and institutes, and a number of cross-Subject consortia and other units. The academic staff complement currently numbers c.265fte. Our staff profile is multi-disciplinary across the key social sciences with a strong and growing international orientation. The School has c. 2,600 undergraduate and postgraduate taught students on its programmes of study, and c. 250 doctoral researchers.The School's primary aim is the advancement and dissemination of knowledge and understanding of social science. We provide an outstanding educational environment and support the highest quality research, tackling some of the world's greatest challenges. We deliver excellence in discipline-based and interdisciplinary programmes. In addition, as a School, we play a leading role in delivering learning opportunities for students across the University to engage with current global challenges and uncertainties and in equipping students with the social science tools and lenses they need to become active, responsible and critical global citizens and leaders.In REF 2021, the School returned 100% of its eligible staff from Professors to early career researchers; a strategy that combined excellence with inclusion. All four Units of Assessment to which SPS contributed were rated amongst the top five in the UK for their breadth and quality of research. Overall 39% of our research activity was classified as world leading with a further 47% assessed as internationally excellent. For two of our four Units of Assessment - Politics and International Relations, and Social Policy and Social Work - the whole of the research environment achieved the highest possible rating and was judged to be world leading.For further information about our school please visit http://www.sps.ed.ac.uk/

University of Edinburgh