Research Associate in Space Technology: Energy

**Job Purpose**
To make a leading contribution to the SOLSPACE project through the research theme on
**Energy Systems and Economic Modelling**, working with Professor Colin McInnes.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the SOLSPACE project, supported by an Advanced Grant from the European Research Council. The project is undertaking an adventurous programme of research to investigate the use of ultra-lightweight orbiting reflectors to enhance the output of future terrestrial solar power farms. This involves the integration of four research themes spanning orbital dynamics and mission analysis, attitude control and structural dynamics, reflector design and energy systems and economic modelling.
The SOLSPACE project will be embedded within the Space and Exploration Technology Group (SET) and will use the facilities of the Integrated Space and Exploration Technology Laboratory (I-SET). The SET group comprises a broad range of expertise across access to space, orbital dynamics, emerging space technologies, entry, descent and landing and planetary exploration technologies. The I-SET laboratory hosts a range of facilities for technology development and demonstration including a vacuum chamber, Helmholtz cage, 3D printers and a clean assembly area.
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**Main Duties and Responsibilities**
1. Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.
2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
3. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/ School/ Research Group, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
5. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
6. Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.
7. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. Academic and Industrial Partners).
8. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.
9. Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.
10. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.
11. Make a leading contribution, as permitted by the funding body, to Teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and associated admin assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.
12. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
13. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
14. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.
15. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Welcome

**Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience**

**Knowledge and Qualifications**

**Essential**
A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s)
A2 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the field of energy systems modelling and economic analysis

**Skills**

**Essential**:

C1 Knowledge of project-specific technical models or techniques (e.g. grid integration, energy storage, cost modelling)
C2 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner
C3 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design and analysis of experiments and drafting of papers.

**Experience**

**Essential**:

E1 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher
E2 Track record of develop