Senior Geothermal / Thermal Energy Storage Scientist

Job title:

Senior Geothermal / Thermal Energy Storage Scientist

Company

STFC

Job description

Senior Geothermal / Thermal Energy Storage ScientistDecarbonisation and Resource ManagementBand UKRI E/S2Salary: £48,802 per annumContract Type: Open endedHours: Full-time – 37 hours a week (some flexible working options may be available, including a small amount of remote working, in line with BGS policy)Location: BGS Edinburgh, which are situated on the Heriot-Watt University campus or at our headquarters in Keyworth, NottinghamA great benefits package is offered, including an outstanding pension scheme, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and access to flexi-timeClosing date: 1 September 2024About the role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and highly motivated Senior Geothermal/Thermal Energy Storage Scientist to join BGS and be involved in a range of grant, external and BGS funded projects which will depend on the specialism of the candidate. Primary responsibility will be to advance the research and innovation being undertaken at the UK Geoenergy Observatories in Glasgow and Cheshire.The successful candidate will work closely with the Science and Operations Leads and a multi-disciplinary team of BGS scientists to progress the understanding of the geological systems of the two Observatories and the application of the subsurface to shallow geothermal heating, cooling and storage.They will be required to develop research proposals and lead funding applications, and will also be expected to present their research at a range of conferences, meetings and workshops.Your key duties / responsibilities will include:Developing and leading science

• Work on a variety of projects within the geothermal and subsurface energy storage topics, initially relevant to your personal area of specialist knowledge, and developing into new areas
• Coordinate with the Glasgow and Cheshire Observatory science and operations leads and scientists from across BGS to develop ideas for research proposals and seedcorn projects that make use of the Geoenergy Observatory facilities
• Leverage the opportunities provided by the Observatories to produce a range of impactful outputs within the area of geothermal through grant funded and BGS funded projects
• Support the integration of research outputs into industry standards, guidance, policy and regulation

Developing funding opportunities

• Engage with the science community to develop the Observatories as a centre of excellence for UK geothermal technology
• Work with the Observatory leads to communicate research and innovation opportunities to commercial and academic stakeholders and lead the production of case studies to support business development. Proactively attend conferences to give talks and posters and publish papers and articles highlighting the Observatory capabilities
• Horizon scan for likely future funding opportunities by mapping UKRI research and innovation funding to the capabilities of the Observatories. Identify priority areas and potential internal and external collaborators for proposal development
• Initiate, develop and coordinate BGS proposals on relevant grant funding calls
• Develop and grow relevant stakeholder networks
• Disseminate Observatory science outputs to the internal BGS community

Project Management

• Responsibility for project leadership and management of grant, external or BGS funded projects

About you
You will have a first degree in a relevant science or engineering degree together with a PhD or MSc and relevant work experience working as a research scientist in industry or academia.You will have specialist scientific expertise in shallow geothermal or underground thermal storage, evidenced by recent peer- reviewed publications and success in winning research funding. In addition, we are looking for experience of working within large, multidisciplinary teams to deliver clear scientific outputs on time and to budget.Please also refer to the additional specific essential and desirable skills criteria for this post.Please note – you will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during your employment.Skills Specification – Criteria to be assessed at Shortlist ‘S’ and Interview ‘I’ StageEssentialEducation;

• 2:1 or higher in relevant science or engineering degree (S)
• MSc OR PhD in a relevant subject (hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, environmental sciences) (S)
• Significant relevant industry experience OR post-doctoral relevant experience (S.I)
• Demonstrates leadership of the development of successful proposals for UKRI or similar research/ innovation funding totalling

£100k and a record of scientific writing in at least two of the following areas: (S,I)
– geological/hydrogeological characterisation and resource assessment;
– environmental monitoring and impacts;
– field technologies for geothermal; heat/flow/mechanical/chemical modelling;
– advanced data analysis applied to geoenergy
– geothermal reservoir characterisation and modelling * Broad knowledge of the following areas (S,I):– hydrogeological and heat transport processes,
– geothermal energy systems
– geological modelling with sedimentological or structural experience applicable to geothermal resources and environmental impacts * Project management experience and delivery of project results(S.I) including demonstrating an ability to lead teams and to participate as a team member(I)

• Willingness and flexibility to travel for work (e.g. field work, meetings at different BGS offices) (I) with a valid UK driving licence (S)
• Displays an enthusiasm for their science / their role and an interest in their own Continuing Professional Development (I)

Desirable

• Scientific coding skills (e.g. R, Python) (S,I)
• Track record of stakeholder engagement and interactions (S.I) with an existing network in geothermal or energy storage (I)
• Knowledge of UK hydrogeology and geology (I)

About us
The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that belongs to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey whose core mission is to advise government of science related to the subsurface and to undertake applied research to solve earth and environmental issues, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI, as well as through research grants and private sector contracts.We strive to promote equality and diversity across our organisation in order to continuously improve our scientific and organisational efficiency. As such, we aim to have a workforce with employees from all backgrounds with people who are passionate about earth science and who share our dedication to work for the good of the environment and the benefit of society.How to apply
Applicants are required to include a CV and covering letter outlining their suitability for the role. We would stress the importance of this paperwork in our selection process.A well thought through application providing evidence and examples of how you meet the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.If you experience any issues applying for this role, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org.The closing date for receipt of applications is 1 September 2024. Interviews are expected to be held mid September.About The British Geological Survey (BGS)The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey that provides a core science mission to inform government of science related to the subsurface and its interfaces and also undertakes applied research for solutions to earth and environmental processes, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI as well as through research grants and via private sector contracts.BGS has an annual budget of approximately £60 million and employs 650 people. It has two main sites, a head office in Keyworth near Nottingham and the Lyell Centre, which is a joint collaboration with Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh. BGS works with more than 150 private sector organisations as well as having close links with 40 universities and sponsors approximately 100 PhD students each year.How to ApplyOnline applications only preferred for this role. Please submit your CV and a covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for BGS and the role you’re applying for. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit your application without a covering letter may result in your application not being considered. You will only be assessed on the content of your CV and covering letter and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.About UKRIUKRI launched in April 2018, UKRI is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).Our organisation brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England, which is responsible for supporting research and knowledge exchange at higher education institutions in England, and the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, and a vision to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. More information can be found at .Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visitThe role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.How we support EDI in the workforceAt UKRI we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to flourish and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visitDisability Confident EmployerAs users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Expected salary

£48802 per year

Location

Edinburgh – Heriot, Scottish Borders

Job date

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 07:39:48 GMT

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