Post-doctoral Researcher Level 1 or 2, School of Mathematics and Statistics

Applications are invited for a temporary post of a UCD Post-doctoral Researcher Level 1 or 2 within UCD School of Mathematics and Statistics.

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 set to be enduring challenges of the mid-21st century and ones that 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 policy makers 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.

A Post-doctoral researcher is sought (level 1), with expertise in atmospheric science, probabilistic forecast models and renewable energy sources (RES). The main responsibility of the position is to conduct leading edge research in developing a probabilistic, high-resolution model for onshore wind, offshore wind and PV for Ireland and surrounding regions from 2000-2050. The model will use input from historical system data and ensembles of recent atmospheric model data such as ERA5 and CMIP6. This model will then be used to investigate generation and security of supply for different climate scenarios, different proposed RES infrastructures, and the impact and mitigation of extreme weather events on a high renewable energy source (RES) dependent network.

Other responsibilities will include working in a multidisciplinary team and collaborating with academic and industry partners to deliver on the overarching scientific goals of the NexSys programme. Supporting the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research projects and teaching may also apply.

This is a research focused 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.

In addition to the Principal Duties and Responsibilities listed below, the successful candidate will also carry out the following duties specific to this project:

• Develop a probabilistic, high-resolution model for onshore wind, offshore wind and PV for Ireland and surrounding regions from 2000-2050.
• Analyse security of supply, future climate scenarios, RES infrastructure and extreme events.

Participation in the NexSys research programme.

Post Doc Level 1 Salary Range: 42,033 - 48,427 per annum or Post Doc Level 2 Fixed Salary: 49,790 per annum
Appointment on the above range will be dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Closing date: 17:00hrs (local Irish time) on 13th June 2023.

Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time of 17:00hrs (Local Irish Time) on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system. UCD are unable to accept late applications.

UCD do not require assistance from Recruitment Agencies. Any CV's submitted by Recruitment Agencies will be returned.

The PD1 position is intended for early stage researchers, either just after completion of a PhD or for someone entering a new area for the first time. If you have already completed your PD1 stage in UCD or will soon complete a PD1, or you are an external applicant whose total Postdoctoral experience, inclusive of the duration of the advertised post, would exceed 4 years, you should not apply and should refer to PD2 posts instead.

or

The PD2 post is intended for researchers that have completed PD1. As with the PD1, if you have already completed your PD2 stage in UCD or will soon complete a PD2, or your total Postdoctoral experience, inclusive of the duration of the advertised post, would exceed 6 years, you should not apply and should refer to Research Fellow posts instead.

Prior to application, further information (including application procedure) should be obtained from the Work at UCD website: https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/