Energy Innovation Research Associate (UHI North, West and Hebrides)

University of the Highlands and Islands; Thurso; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Scotland is seeking an Energy Innovation Research Associate for a fixed term of 12 months at their Thurso campus. The successful candidate will support various research projects, communicate findings effectively, and engage with industry and stakeholders. Required qualifications include a PhD or equivalent experience, along with skills in research facilitation and professional communication. This role offers competitive benefits, including generous annual leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

45 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

10% Membership Discount at Highlife Highland

Occupational sick pay scheme

Employee Assistance Programmes

Lifestyle savings scheme

Qualifications

• Strong research background with experience in energy innovation.
• Ability to communicate professionally in various formats.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement in academic or industrial settings.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate and contribute to research projects across the UHI partnership.
• Prepare accurate documentation, reviews, and reports.
• Disseminate research findings through workshops and webinars.

Skills

Research project facilitation

Effective communication

Document preparation

Stakeholder engagement

Education

PhD or equivalent professional qualification

First degree

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.

To support our work, we are recruiting for the following role:

Energy Innovation Research Associate

Reference no.

NWH ERA 01

Salary range

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 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.