Energy Innovation Research Associate

Environmental Research Institute; Thurso; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization is seeking an Energy Innovation Research Associate to work at their Thurso campus. The role involves facilitating research projects, disseminating information to stakeholders, and preparing documentation. Suitable candidates should have a PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant field, along with strong communication skills. This fixed-term position offers competitive salary and benefits, including generous annual leave. Interviews will be held on 14th/15th January 2026.

Benefits

45 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

10% Membership Discount

Occupational sick pay

Employee Assistance Programmes

Lifestyle savings

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant field.
• Four years of professional experience in research and innovation.
• Proven skills in communication and presenting information.

Responsibilities

• Facilitating and contributing to research projects.
• Disseminating information through workshops and webinars.
• Preparing documentation, reviews, and reports.

Skills

Facilitation skills

Documentation preparation

Effective communication

Workshop/webinar organization

Education

PhD or equivalent professional qualification

Knowledge in energy innovation

Job description

We are seeking an Energy Innovation Research Associate working across the UHI partnership to be based at our Thurso campus.

Responsibilities

• Facilitating and contributing to new and existing research projects, utilising specialised knowledge and experience in own area to interpret and meet requirements.
• Disseminating information to industry, government and wider stakeholders through workshops/webinars for KE, research and innovation purposes, with energy academics from across UHI.
• Involvement with the preparation of accurate and timely documentation, reviews, reports and datasets, and where applicable contributing to publishable papers.
• Communicating clearly, concisely and professionally, including producing effective written communications in a wide range of media for a variety of situations/audiences.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

The suitable candidates will hold knowledge, skills and experience normally associated with a first degree, together with a PhD or an equivalent professional qualification or at least 4 years appropriate professional experience.

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.

Reference no.

NWH ERA 01

Salary range

£36,066 - £38,641 per annum

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