Energy Innovation Coordinator (UHI North, West and Hebrides)

University of the Highlands and Islands; Thurso; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in Thurso seeks an Energy Innovation Coordinator for a fixed term of 12 months, possibly extendable. The role requires leading energy knowledge exchange activities and engaging with various stakeholders. Ideal candidates should have a first degree and a PhD or equivalent experience, along with strong communication and project management skills. Benefits include generous annual leave and a local government pension scheme.

Benefits

45 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

10% Membership Discount at Highlife Highland

Occupational sick pay scheme

Family friendly leave provisions

Employee Assistance Programmes

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Knowledge, skills, and experience usually associated with a first degree.
• Experience in managing collaborative, multi-institutional projects.
• Ability to organize research workload independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate energy knowledge exchange and innovation activity.
• Identify knowledge exchange opportunities and apply for funding.
• Develop research in line with strategic goals on UHI Energy Innovation.

Skills

Project management

Strong communication skills

Research proposal preparation

Funding application

Education

First degree

PhD or equivalent professional qualification

Job description

UHI North, West and Hebrides is one of ten academic partners and research centres that make up UHI. This unique partnership allows us to deliver further and higher education programmes at our 19 campuses and centres across the North and West Highlands, Skye and the Outer Hebrides.

Energy Innovation Coordinator

Reference: NWH EIC 01

Duration: Fixed term for 12 months with possibility to extend or transition to open-ended, subject to funding

Working hours: 35 hours per week

Location: Thurso

Closing Date: 5pm, Monday 5th January 2026

Position: We are seeking an Energy Innovation Coordinator working across the UHI partnership to be based at our Thurso campus.

Responsibilities: The post holder will lead and coordinate energy knowledge exchange and innovation activity across UHI. You will identify knowledge exchange opportunities, apply for funding and enable effective co‑ordination and delivery of major energy knowledge exchange and research projects. You will engage with a wide range of internal collaborators and external stakeholders, proactively developing and engaging in research that contributes to the strategic goals on UHI Energy Innovation.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills: The suitable candidate will have the knowledge, skills and experience normally associated with a first degree, together with either a PhD or an equivalent professional qualification or equivalent professional experience. You should have experience in working on or managing collaborative, multi‑institutional projects. Strong communication skills and the ability to organise your own research workload are key to this role. You should have the ability to prepare research proposals, conduct individual research and disseminate results. Experience in preparing bids and funding applications would be advantageous.

Benefits of working for us:

• 45 days annual leave per year (pro rata for part‑time staff)
• Local Government Pension Scheme (Highland Council)
• 10% Membership Discount at Highlife Highland
• Occupational sick pay scheme and family friendly leave provisions
• Staff Support and Employee Assistance Programmes
• Employment Benefits Scheme including lifestyle savings and Cycle to Work Scheme

Interviews will be held 14th/15th January 2026.