The Opportunity
The School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering (SPREE) offers two positions at the level of Research Associate (Level A) and Senior Research Associate (Level B). These roles are part of a multidisciplinary team of academics, post‐doctoral researchers and postgraduate research students that collaborate closely with industry partners and with researchers across UNSW faculties via the Collaboration on Energy and Environmental Markets (CEEM). CEEM conducts interdisciplinary research to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of the Australian National Electricity Market and other electricity industries worldwide.
Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia (full‐time, fixed‐term contract until 28 March 2028, with possible extension)
Responsibilities
Consumer Energy Resources & Distribution System Modelling and Analysis
* Handling and analysing large real‐world datasets from consumer energy resources (CER) such as rooftop PV, batteries and electric vehicles (EVs).
* Querying and manipulating datasets from different databases and platforms (AWS, SQL, Azure).
* Developing open‐source tools and algorithms in Python, R, Matlab or Excel for energy systems data analysis and modelling.
* Creating algorithms to analyse CER compliance and curtailment according to relevant Australian standards (AS 4777.2020.2, CSIP‐AUS, IEEE) and under the Emergency Backstop Mechanism (EBM).
* Developing support tools for distribution network operators to manage and plan CER operations.
* Creating data visualisations to illustrate the value of CER and explore challenges of increasing CER penetration in distribution networks and at the system level.
* Thermal modelling of residential HVAC and water heating energy consumption (e.g., EnergyPlus/ TRNSYS).
* Identifying minimum data requirements for deploying and operating CER to benefit consumers and the grid.
* Modelling factors that affect residential and commercial CER uptake.
Energy System and Market Modelling and Analysis
* National Electricity Market (NEM) level capacity expansion and production cost modelling.
* Monitoring NEM market power and participant behaviour.
* Developing and maintaining open‐source Python‐based energy system and market modelling and analysis software.
* Engaging with industry partners through meetings, presentations and industry reports.
Job Details
* Salary: Level A – AUD$113,911 to 121,838 per annum + 17% superannuation; Level B – AUD$127,947 to 150,830 per annum + 17% superannuation.
* Employment type: Full time.
* Contract length: Fixed‐term until 28 March 2028 (extension may be available).
* Location: Kensington, Sydney, Australia.
Skills & Experience
Level 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, including energy storage, demand‐side participation and their integration into electricity industry operation or planning.
* Expertise in analysing and modelling large energy‐related data sets, including statistical analysis and the use of artificial intelligence such as pattern recognition and machine learning.
* Knowledge of the operation and functionalities of different consumer energy resources and 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.
* Interest or experience in developing open‐source modelling tools for wider stakeholder use.
* Experience interacting with the profession and industry, especially electricity networks, market institutions and distributed energy businesses in Australia.
* Proactive commitment to staying current with disciplinary knowledge and developments.
* Demonstrated ability to conduct high‐quality independent academic research with limited supervision.
* Track record of publications and conference presentations relevant to the role.
* Team‐work and collaboration across disciplines.
* Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to interact with diverse stakeholders.
* Alignment with UNSW's aims, objectives and values, and awareness of relevant policies and guidelines.
* Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to training.
Level B (in addition to Level A requirements)
* Excellent research track record with high‐quality, high‐impact outputs and evidence of continual research excellence and leadership potential.
* Significant involvement with profession and/or industry.
* Strong practice of maintaining open‐source code repositories.
* High‐level communication skills and networking ability with students and staff.
* Independent research, proposal development and proactive orientation to research objectives.
* Highly developed interpersonal and organisational skills.
* Ability to build effective networks and generate alternative funding or industry projects through liaison with external researchers, industry and government.
Pre‐Employment Checks
* National and international criminal history checks.
* Entitlement to work and ID checks.
* Working with Children checks.
* Completion of Gender‐Based Violence Prevention Declaration.
* Verification of relevant qualifications and 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. Applicants should systematically address the skills and experience listed within the position description and 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.
Contact
* Allyssar Hamoud – Talent Acquisition Associate
* E‐mail: a.hamoud@unsw.edu.au
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.
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