UCD Dublin: 3-year post-doc in the mathematical modelling of electricity security of supply
College/Management Unit: UCD College of Business
School/Unit: UCD School of Business
Post Title: UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1
Project: Next Generation Energy Systems (NexSys)
Post Duration: 36 months
Reports to: Dr. Mel Devine
HR Reference No.: 015344
HR Administrator: Adrian Rusu
To apply please visit ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/ and use the reference code 015344
For further information, please contact Dr. Mel Devine at mel.devine@ucd.ie
The deadline for applications is 5pm (Irish time) on 13th Dec 2022.
Mathematical Modelling of the Security of Electricity Supplies.
Security of energy supplies is imperative to any well-functioning economy. To ensure security of electricity supply,
effective modelling of future electricity systems is required. Securing electricity supplies requires that sufficient
generation capacity be available to meet demand at all times. In practice, this requires that there be enough
electricity available on the system to meet peak demand, plus a margin.
This project will revolve around the general theme of modelling the security of electricity supply. It will examine
the contribution of each generating unit to supply and devise novel means of remunerating generation companies
for their contribution. Knowledge of electricity systems is not an essential requirement for this position.
However, the successful applicant should have a background and interest in mathematical\quantitative
modelling in addition to experience in coding.
This position is part of the NexSys (Next Generation Energy Systems) project, a multidisciplinary research
program. In particular, it is envisaged that the successful candidate will collaborate closely the Economic and
Social Research Institute (ESRI).
NexSys – “Next Generation Energy Systems”
The decarbonisation of the Energy System will play a vital role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and help
mitigate the impacts of Climate Change. The technical and societal challenges inherent in decarbonisation are
enduring challenges of the mid-21st century and will require a whole of society approach, encompassing
academia, industry, government, and citizens.
NexSys is a newly established All Island SFI Strategic Partnership Programme focussed upon the transition to a
net zero carbon energy system. It is a unique partnership bringing together a multidisciplinary research team,
industry, and policymakers to tackle fundamental research questions to be addressed as part of the transition
to net Zero. Hosted by UCD Energy Institute, NexSys brings together academics from nine institutions across the
Island of Ireland (UCD, TCD, DCU, ESRI, Maynooth University, UCC, NUI Galway, Ulster University and Queen’s
University Belfast) to work together to meet the unprecedented scale and complexity of the challenges associated with the energy transition.
This is an academic research role, where you will conduct a specified programme of research supported by
research training and development under the supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator.
The primary purpose of the role is to further develop your research skills and competences, including the
processes of publication in peer-reviewed academic publications, the development of funding proposals, the
mentorship of graduate students along with the opportunity to develop your skills in research led teaching.
This is an academic research role, where you will conduct a specified programme of research supported by
research training and development under the supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator.
The primary purpose of the role is to further develop your research skills and competences, including the
processes of publication in peer-reviewed academic publications, the development of funding proposals, the
mentorship of graduate students along with the opportunity to develop your skills in research led teaching.
Salary: €41,209per annum
Appointment on the above range will be dependent on qualifications and experienc
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct a specified programme of research and scholarship under the supervision and direction on your Principal Investigator.
- Engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities as required by your Principal Investigator, your School or Institute, or the University.
- Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which you are engaged as directed by and with the support of and under the supervision of your Principal Investigator.
- Engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of your research group, School and Institute.
- Mentor and assist, as appropriate and as directed, the research graduate students in your School and Institute.
- Carry out administrative work associated with your programme of research.
Selection Criteria
Selection criteria outline the qualifications, skills, knowledge and/or experience that the successful candidate
would need to demonstrate for successful discharge of the responsibilities of the post. Applications will be
assessed on the basis of how well candidates satisfy these criteria.
Mandatory
- PhD (completed or soon to be completed) in Operations Research, Mathematics, Economics, Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science or a related field
- Strong background and experience in mathematical\quantitative modelling
- A demonstrated commitment to research and publications
- An understanding of the operational requirements for a successful research project
- Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals, and ability to outline a research project.
- Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals, and experience of writing a funding application).