Research Associate / Senior Research Associate - Consumer Energy Resources & Energy Modelling

This Job is based in Australia

The Opportunity

The School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering (SPREE) has two opportunities at the level of Research Associate / Senior Research Associate. The positions will be part of a team of academics, post-doctoral researchers and post-graduate research students that will collaborate closely with industry partners and with other researchers across UNSW faculties via UNSW’s Collaboration on Energy and Environmental Markets (CEEM). CEEM undertakes interdisciplinary research on improving the economic and environmental sustainability of the Australian National Electricity Market, and other electricity industries worldwide. More information is available at www.ceem.unsw.edu.au

The Research Associate (Level A) / Senior Research Associate (Level B) will contribute to one or more different projects with different research objectives, depending on candidate interests and skills including some or all of the following activities.

Consumer Energy Resources And Distribution System Modelling And Analysis

• Handling and analysis of large real-world datasets from consumer energy resources (CER) such as rooftop PV, batteries, and electric vehicles (EVs).
• Querying and manipulating large real-world datasets from different databases & platforms (AWS, SQL, Azure)
• Using energy systems data analysis and modelling and the development of open-source tools e.g. in Python, R, Matlab or Excel
• Creating new algorithms to analyse compliance of CER according to relevant Australian standards (AS 4777.2020.2, CSIP-AUS, IEEE).
• Creating new algorithms to analyse curtailment of CER according to relevant Australian standards (AS 4777.2020.2, CSIP-AUS, IEEE) and under Emergency Backstop Mechanism (EBM).
• Developing open-source tools to help DNSPs and network operators for managing and planning for CER operations.
• Creating data visualisations to understand the value of CER and explore emerging challenges with increasing penetration of CER in distribution networks and at the system level.
• Thermal modelling of residential HVAC and water heating energy consumption (e.g. EnergyPlus / TRNSYS)
• Identification of the minimum data requirements for the deployment and operation of CER so that it provides benefit to consumers and the grid.
• Modelling the factors that affect Residential and commercial CER uptake.
  
  
  

Energy System And Market Modelling And Analysis

• NEM level capacity expansion and production cost modelling
• NEM market power and participant behaviour monitoring
• Development and maintenance of open-source Python-based energy system and market modelling and analysis software
• Engage with industry partners via regular meetings, presentations and write industry reports.
  
  
  

This position is being offered as either a Research Associate (Level A) or a Senior Research Associate (Level B), the appointment level will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience. 

• Salary: Level A, Research Associate - AUD$113,911 to $121,838 per annum + 17% superannuation Level B, Senior Research Associate - AUD$127,947 to $150,830 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Full time
• Fixed-term contract – Until 28th of March 2028 (extension may be available)
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia
  
  
  

About UNSW

This position is within the School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering (SPREE) that is internationally recognised for its record-breaking research in solar power (photovoltaics) and renewable energy. The PERC solar cell was first invented at UNSW in our labs in 1983 and today powers more than 85% of all new solar panel modules all over the world. SPREE’s work and people have changed the face of sustainable energy on the global stage, and we continue to be at the forefront of leading-edge research and development in the field of renewable technology as our economies transition away from fossil fuels. For more information on our school please go to - https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/our-schools/photovoltaic-and-renewable-energy-engineering

Skills & Experience

Level A

• A PhD or equivalent research experience in a related discipline, and/or relevant work experience.
• Some or all of the following:
• Experience in technical and economic modelling of renewable generation or distributed energy resources such as energy storage and demand-side participation including aspects of energy user behaviour, distribution network implications, integration of renewable or distributed resources into electricity industry operation or planning.
• Expertise in analysis and modelling using large energy related data sets; including formal statistical analysis and the use of artificial intelligence such as pattern recognition and machine learning techniques.
• Knowledge of the operation and functionalities of different consumer energy resources as well as their impact on the grid
• Experience in energy systems, market, capacity expansion, or production cost modelling.
• Experience in NEM-related analysis or modelling.
• Experience in thermal building modelling
• Experience or interest in developing open-source modelling tools that provide opportunities for a wider set of stakeholders to undertake electricity industry analysis.
• Experience interacting with the profession and industry, in particular electricity networks, electricity market institutions and distributed energy businesses in Australia is highly desirable.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training
  
  
  

Level B (in addition to Level A skills & experience mentioned above)

• Demonstrated excellent track record in research with outcomes of high quality and high impact with clear evidence of the desire and ability to continually achieve research excellence as well as the capacity for research leadership.
• A track record of significant involvement with the profession and/or industry.
• A strong practice of maintaining open-source code repository.
• High level communication skills and ability to network effectively and interact with a diverse range of students and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake independent research, develop research proposals and maintain a proactive attitude towards research objectives and goals
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective networks with colleagues and generate alternative funding and/or industry projects through effective liaison with external local and international researchers, industry and government
  
  
  

Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.

Pre-Employment Checks

Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks
• Medical Checks and Assessments
  
  
  

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

To Apply: Please click the apply now button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. You should systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description in your application. Applicants must have valid working rights in Australia and be available to work on-site in Kensington.

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Tuesday 31st March 2026

Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.

Contact:

Allyssar Hamoud – Talent Acquisition Associate

E: [email protected]

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.