Industrial Secondment: Feasibility of Localised Energy Network Options in East Birmingham

C-DICE is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity for a two-month secondment for postdoctoral researchers with Birmingham Energy Institute (BEI) and Tyseley Energy Park (TEP). The postdoctoral researcher seconded to this project would gain:

• Industrial mentorship and support from BEI and TEP.
• Academic mentorship and support from University of Birmingham research area experts.

• Overview of TEP and Tyseley Environmental Enterprise District (TEED).
• Training regarding current activities and previous work at TEP and TEED.
• Additional engagement training.

This project will be ideal for a postdoctoral researcher in Electrical Systems or Energy Informatics, with expertise in Renewable Energy, Electrical Distribution Networks, GIS, or Finance/Economics. The outcomes, if positive proposals are made, would be used to support application towards part of £450 million in energy network innovation through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF).

About the Sponsors

Birmingham Energy Institute (BEI) is developing and applying the technological innovation, original thinking and new ways of working required to create sustainable energy solutions and support the regional, national and global transition to a zero carbon energy system. A research focussed institute, BEI is driving change in the way we deliver, consume and think about energy. Bringing together interdisciplinary research from across the University of Birmingham and working with government, industry and international partners, BEI research is solving societal issues and addressing challenges relating to energy poverty, the circular economy, transport systems, cooling, hydrogen, energy storage and the decarbonisation of heat.

Tyseley Energy Park (TEP) is committed to delivering low and zero carbon power, transport, heat, waste and recycling solutions for a greener, cleaner, healthier Birmingham. TEP’s legacy will be one that sees greater engagement with and increased employment in low carbon industries. Stimulating innovation, demonstrating new technologies and creating commercially viable energy system solutions that positively contribute to local communities and the citizens of Birmingham’s whilst reducing CO2 emissions by 2030.

Job Purpose

Investigate the feasibility of a localised energy grid network incorporating current and planned local energy generation and local energy needs which are mostly industrial.

Provide suggested ways forward as a phased approach, with planned changes incorporated and estimated costings for the proposed.

Secondment Details

Number of secondments: This advert is for one secondment.

Duration: This secondment is two months in duration at 1.0FTE (or prorated for part-time)

Location: Hybrid (Remote and on site)

Salary: University Pay Scale Spine 26 to 36 (£31,411 to £42,155 p.a. prorated for duration of post), depending on current postdoctoral researcher salary. Please note that university overheads will not be paid due to the developmental opportunity this presents to the postdoctoral researcher to undertake an industrial secondment. Expenses related to authorised travel for this secondment will be covered.

Special Conditions

This industrial placement is open to postdoctoral researchers based at C-DICE universities. Successful candidates will be required to seek permission from their supervisor and employing organisation to undertake the secondment. The project will commence as soon as possible. In cases where participation in this secondment would require a no-cost extension to an EPSRC grant, EPSRC has agreed to grant this automatically on request.

All staff have a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others and the environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff are therefore required to adhere to the University of Birmingham Health, Safety and Environmental Policy & Procedures.

All staff should hold a duty and commitment to observing the University of Birmingham Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policy and procedures at all times. Duties must be carried out in accordance with relevant Equality & Diversity legislation and policies/procedures.

After the Secondment

• Confirmation of expenditure
• Outcomes (e.g. publications, engagement activities) for impact tracking
• A report highlighting key findings
• The postdoc may be asked to engage with C-DICE events (e.g. Annual Conference or Business Engagement Events) and to lead a C-DICE training activity in their area of expertise.

Eligibility

Essential Criteria

• Electrical Systems
• Energy Informatics
• Renewable Energy
• Electrical Distribution Networks
• GIS
• Financial/Economics
• Research

Desirable Criteria

• Teamwork
• Project Planning
• Strategic Thinking
• Industrial Awareness
• Business Engagement and communications skills

Timeline

Deadline for applications	27 October 2022 at 16:00
Confirmation interviews	1 November 2022

How to Apply

Applications may be submitted any time before the deadline.

• Sign up to Inkpath. Then link to C-DICE. For more details on how, click here.
• Apply via Inkpath using Activity Code DSAB0008 or click the button above.
• When you sign up for the activity, you will receive a link to an online application form.
• You will need:
  • Applicant details (education & employment background)
  • Cover letter stating your available start date (max 500 words)
  • A CV

Supporting documents, any questions about the role, or support in the application process should be emailed to C-DICE at a.beierholm@cdice.ac.uk.

Please note that if you are successful, your supervisor will be contacted for a letter/email of support.