"Research Associate or Postdoctoral Research Fellow"

Job Description:

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Full-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
• Fixed-term position (2 years)

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

As a Research Associate or Postdoctoral Research Fellow at CEE, you will apply specialist research-related skills in renewable energy engineering, undertake research-related tasks, contribute towards externally funded projects as well as teaching energy-related courses (20%). The role will require you to collaborate with other researchers, and you may be responsible for other aspects of ongoing and future projects.

Mōu | Who You Are

To be successful in this role, you will require expert knowledge in energy systems expansion planning and/or techno-economic assessment of energy technologies, as well as:

• A PhD degree in the field of renewable energy engineering (or close to obtaining one), or in a closely related field.
• Demonstrable experience in Python and relevant modelling tools, like REMix or PyPSA for New Zealand, and knowledge about the national energy system.
• Demonstrable experience in delivering quality oral presentations to a wide range of audiences.
• Demonstrable experience of excellent research capabilities required to carry out innovative and insightful research
• A strong publication track record.
• The ability and willingness to undertake collaborative research.
• The ability to relate well to and mentor students.
• The willingness to actively and constructively participate in discussions on own performance.
• Demonstrable understanding of multicultural issues and a commitment to The Treaty of Waitangi.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

The Sustainable Energy Research Group (SERG) spans key areas in the global energy transition, with focus on energy systems modelling. Our work informs sustainable energy systems and policy designs, including future fuels, carbon capture, storage, and climate and hazard resiliency. SERG is hosted at CEE, which remains at the forefront of research and technology and preserve a strong international reputation for high-quality teaching. We aim to constantly develop our alumni and industry partnerships, to provide students with the highest level of training, and to expand the scope of our research expertise by attracting and retaining highly skilled academic and support staff.

For more information about our department and team, visit the website and the virtual tour.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

Tangata Tū, Tangata Ora - Engaged, Empowered, Making a Difference.

The University of Canterbury is committed to accessible higher education, service to community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.
What we Offer

We offer a range of benefits. For more information, please visit us: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/joinus/benefits/.

For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/

The closing date for this position is: Monday, 1 December 2025 (midnight, NZ time)
*Applications will be reviewed as they are received and interviews may take place before the close date.*

*Appointable salary for a Research Associate is: $62,845- $73,306 (pa) and Post Doctoral Fellow is: $62,845 - $94,248 (pa)*

Please note: Candidates who have not yet had their Doctorate formally conferred (this includes those who are still completing their Doctorate or have submitted and are awaiting conferral), will be appointed with the title “Research Associate”. Upon formal conferral of the Doctorate, the title will be updated to “Postdoctoral Fellow”, and the salary adjusted accordingly to reflect this change.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply

Applications for this position must be submitted on our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume. Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz

For further information specifically about the role, please contact: Jannik Haas, Jannik.haas@canterbury.ac.nz to discuss the opportunities associated with this position.

For overseas applicants, please visit Immigration New Zealand website, to review the latest health and visa requirements for visiting and working in New Zealand.