Postdoctoral Research Associate – Legal Pathways to Equitable Energy Access

The University of Manchester seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate for a project on legal pathways to equitable energy access. The role involves interdisciplinary research on energy systems, legal frameworks, and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will collaborate with stakeholders and contribute to energy resilience and justice, working primarily at the university with some required travel. Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Background

We are currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on a project focused on legal and regulatory pathways to equitable energy access. The research will explore how legal frameworks can support grid resilience, hydrogen integration, and energy justice. This project is aligned with The University of Manchester’s Energy Beacon and the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to develop sustainable and just energy solutions. The successful applicant will join Professor Aoife Foley's AVANTERN Group (Advancement in the Net-zero Transition through Engineering and Research for Networks), which focuses on pioneering research in energy resilience, network infrastructure, and equitable energy transitions. This role aligns with ongoing research on legal frameworks, regulatory compliance, and energy justice to ensure equitable energy access, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised populations. The successful applicant will work with Professor Aoife Foley and engage with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and research partners to inform national and international energy policy.

Research will be conducted at the University of Manchester’s School of Engineering, with some travel expected to policy and industry partners to discuss findings and present research outputs.

Overall Purpose of the Job

The PDRA will conduct interdisciplinary research focused on integrating whole energy systems with legal and regulatory pathways to ensure equitable energy access. Responsibilities include:
• Developing policy frameworks
• Conducting technical and legal analyses
• Collaborating with cross-sector stakeholders to improve energy system resilience and fairness

This role will contribute to the wider goals of the AVANTERN Group, Energy Beacon, and Tyndall Centre in promoting socially just and technically sound energy solutions.

What You Will Get in Return
• Fantastic market-leading pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services, including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community, regardless of age, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here.

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs, or process applications from recruitment agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries About the Vacancy, Shortlisting, and Interviews

Name: Professor Aoife Foley

Email: aoife.foley@manchester.ac.uk

General Enquiries:

Email: People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical Support for Applications: https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document, which contains the person specification criteria.