Graduate Research Assistant

About The Role

Graduate Research Assistant

INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY

Th is EPSCR PBIAA GW-SHIFT funded part-time post (FTE 0.5) is available from immediately on a fixed term contract until December 2026

The starting salary will be from £33,951.00 on Grade E, depending on qualifications and experience.

Environment, Science and Economy

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Graduate Research Assistant to support the work of Prof Xiaohong Li. This EPSCR PBIAA GW-SHIFT funded post is available immediately to 31 December 2026. The successful applicant will be research lead of the project undertaking the core research programme and monitoring day-to-day activities.

The project aims to provide a techno-economic and environmental assessment of hydrogen as a long-duration energy storage solution to enhance grid flexibility in the Great Western region. It will focus on: (i) integrating hydrogen into the regional grid through a hydrogen-enabled digital twin for real-time simulation, optimisation, and control of energy flows; (ii) evaluating the techno-economic and environmental feasibility of hydrogen storage using high-resolution, region-specific modelling of supply and demand; and (iii) generating actionable insights to support investment decisions, infrastructure planning, and regulatory development for hydrogen-based flexibility services.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will be educated to first degree level or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study or equivalent experience and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants will be able to demonstrate skills and knowledge in AI-driven digital transformation for sustainable energy network, applying digital twins to simulate and optimise grid flexibility.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

Further Information

for further information please contact Prof Xiaohong Li, e-mail x.li@exeter.ac.uk or telephone (01326) 255769

About Us

Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future

Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russel Group university (QS & THE World University Rankings 2025), excelling in teaching (triple Gold rating, TEF 2023) and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England.

We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 140 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here , including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant .

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines;
• Support teams that understand the University wide teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly;
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development;
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supports high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career;
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy;
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon/Cornwall.

How we can help

If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at hrhelpdesk@exeter.ac.uk. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.