We are seeking to appoint a research associate on the project “Challenging Lock-in to Urban Energy Systems” (CLUES) which is led by University College London in collaboration with Exeter, Manchester, Sussex, Surrey and Loughborough Universities. This project developed from an interdisciplinary Foresight project on Sustainable Energy Management and the Built Environment. The Exeter element of the project is led by Professor Patrick Devine-Wright in the Geography department within the College of Life and Environment Sciences. The project is part of the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council’s Sustainable Urban Environments programme.

The postholder will primarily be involved in undertaking detailed case study analyses of 8 UK urban energy initiatives, collecting primary (qualitative and quantitative) and secondary data and engaging in comparative analyses of the aims, approaches and outcomes of each case study. This work will feed into the project’s main research aim, which is to assess critically the pursuit of decentralised energy systems in urban areas in the light of the need to achieve the UK’s carbon emissions reduction targets for 2020 and 2050, and broader urban sustainability goals.

We are seeking candidates with a relevant PhD and research experience. Candidates should have excellent research skills, be able to work independently and collaboratively across disciplinary boundaries and be able to conduct fieldwork in locations across the UK. Ideally you should also have experience of working on energy and/or low carbon issues from a socio-technical perspective.

Informal enquiries about both posts can be made to Professor Patrick Devine-Wright.

The University of Exeter is an equal opportunity employer and promotes diversity in its workforce and, whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, is particularly keen to consider applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.

Application Deadline:11th February 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application