Overview
Research Associate / Senior Research Associate in Consumer Energy Resources (x2 positions) at UNSW. The School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering (SPREE) has an opportunity for a Research Associate / Senior Research Associate to join a team of academics, post-doctoral researchers and post-graduate research students collaborating with industry partners and across UNSW via the Collaboration on Energy and Environmental Markets (CEEM).
The CEEM program undertakes interdisciplinary research on improving the economic and environmental sustainability of the Australian National Electricity Market, and other electricity industries worldwide.
Responsibilities
* Handle and analyse large real-world datasets from consumer energy resources (CER) such as rooftop PV, batteries, and electric vehicles (EVs).
* Query and manipulate large real-world datasets from different databases & platforms (AWS, SQL, Azure).
* Create new algorithms to analyse compliance of CER according to relevant Australian standards (AS 4777.2020.2, CSIP-AUS, IEEE).
* Create new algorithms to analyse curtailment of CER according to relevant Australian standards (AS 4777.2020.2, CSIP-AUS, IEEE) and under the Emergency Backstop Mechanism (EBM).
* Develop open-source tools to help DNSPs and network operators manage and plan CER operations.
* Create data visualisations to understand the value of CER and explore emerging challenges with increasing CER penetration in distribution networks and at system level.
* Engage with industry partners via regular meetings, presentations and writing industry reports.
Position details
* Salary:
o Level A, Research Associate - AUD$113,911 to $121,838 per annum + 17% superannuation
o Level B, Senior Research Associate - AUD$127,947 to $150,830 per annum + 17% superannuation
* Full time
* Fixed-term contract – Until December 2027
* Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia
Qualifications
Level A
* A PhD or equivalent research experience in a related discipline, and/or relevant work experience.
* 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.
* Demonstrated experience with the development and management of large energy data sets (desirable).
* Independent researcher with can-do attitude, proactive in driving and progressing project tasks.
* Experience or interest in developing open-source modelling tools for broader stakeholder use.
* Experience interacting with the profession and industry, particularly electricity networks, market institutions and distributed energy businesses in Australia (highly desirable).
* Commitment to staying up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
* Ability to undertake high-quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision; track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
* Ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships; highly developed interpersonal skills.
* Ability to communicate with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.
Level B (in addition to Level A)
* All Level A qualifications, plus demonstrated excellence in research with high-quality, high-impact outcomes and ongoing research leadership potential.
* Track record of significant involvement with the profession and/or industry.
* Strong practice of maintaining open-source code repositories.
* High level communication skills and ability to network effectively with students and staff.
* Ability to build effective networks with colleagues and generate funding or industry projects through liaison with external researchers, industry and government.
Other details
Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description via JOBS@UNSW.
To Apply
Please click the apply now button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. Systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description. 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 28 September 2025
Contact
Allyssar Hamoud – Talent Acquisition Associate
E: a.hamoud@unsw.edu.au
Equity and inclusion
UNSW is committed to equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community. 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 backgrounds, people with disability and those with caring responsibilities. We provide workplace adjustments for disability and flexible work options where eligible. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
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