Research Engineer - Smart Energy Services and Regulatory Innovation

Research Engineer - Smart Energy Services and Regulatory Innovation

Tyndall National Institute is an international leader in semiconductors, photonics and deep tech research and innovation. The Institute is a key partner in the "Chips for Europe Initiative" (EU Chips Act) and hosts the International Energy Research Centre (IERC). It drives research at the intersection of nanotechnology, microelectronics, photonics, electronics and AI, with a focus on energy and climate mitigation.

About the Team

The Smart Energy Services and Regulatory Innovation (SESRI) Team at IERC focuses on developing innovative energy services, business models and regulatory approaches that improve efficiency, sustainability and decarbonisation of energy intensive sectors. The team works on design, validation and demonstration of smart energy services and advanced business models, including renewable hydrogen and policy solutions.

About the Role

The Research Engineer will lead research tasks within SESRI, collaborating across IERC on projects such as Energy Performance Contracting, Energy Efficiency, Auditing, Energy Services, Policy and Green Hydrogen. The engineer will report to the SESRI Team Lead.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform as an individual contributor in research projects within the SESRI team
• Contribute to the vision and direction for smart energy services and energy policy research in IERC
• Contribute to the bid and proposal writing for competitive funding streams
• Lead tasks in collaborative projects that deliver high quality outcomes to meet industry requirements
• Collaborate with external partners through project milestones, ensuring timely delivery of deliverables and reports
• Participate in education and public engagement activities
• Ensure compliance with Tyndall's Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety standards and other regulations
• Carry out any additional duties that may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post

Essential Criteria

• Master's degree or equivalent in energy engineering or a related discipline
• Strong demonstrable experience in at least two of the following areas: energy auditing, energy efficiency, building energy performance, energy performance contracting, energy services, energy policy, building services engineering, energy communities, stakeholder engagement
• Strong interest and willingness to work in industrial energy auditing and energy efficiency measures
• Strong interest and willingness to work on energy performance contracting
• Strong interest and willingness to work on energy policy, business models for energy efficiency and contractual templates
• Demonstrated ability to work independently to a tight schedule
• Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills
• Typical experience of at least one year in a research environment or a PhD (or equivalent) in energy engineering or a related discipline, and experience managing H2020, LIFE or Horizon Europe projects

Desirable Criteria

• Demonstrated data and statistical skills
• Highly self motivated and able to demonstrate initiative
• Previous experience in managing and supervising postgraduate students
• Experience in conducting energy audits, recommending energy saving measures, persuading SMEs, designing and conducting surveys, focus groups, workshops, training courses, webinars and other events
• Evidence of professional experience working with industry and understanding of industry needs
• Previous experience of report writing for European funded projects

What We Offer

• Impactful work: opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking research that shapes Ireland's economy and society
• Continuous learning: strong support for formal training, further study and professional development
• Interdisciplinary environment: academia, industry and innovation intersect, supported by cutting edge infrastructure and expertise
• Blended working: flexibility to work remotely and on site where the role allows
• Comprehensive benefits: access to UCC pension, long term illness benefit, life assurance and more
• Generous leave: competitive annual leave entitlements
• Equity and inclusion: Athena Swan Bronze award holder with ongoing initiatives to ensure equity for all
• Core values: ambition, collaboration, diversity, excellence and integrity
• Entrepreneurial spirit: a proactive, innovation driven environment welcoming entrepreneurial and creative thinkers
• Supportive onboarding: structured induction and mentoring to help new hires integrate and thrive
• Vibrant culture: collaborative, people first workplace with a strong sense of community

Terms of Employment

Contract Category: Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed Term

Eligibility: Appointment may be made on the Grade Senior Executive Assistant/Executive Officer Point 1 Scale B (new entrants) salary €40,327 €55,667 per annum, in accordance with public sector pay policy.

Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.