Research Fellow B in Business Models for Sustainable Transport and Green Energy

UNIVERSITY OF SURREY, United Kingdom

Updated: about 2 months ago
Location: United Kingdom,
Job Type: PartTime
Deadline: 01 Mar 2026

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research.

We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.

Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively and individually make a real difference.

The role

Applications are invited for a part-time Research Fellow position until August 2026 (with possible further extension). The role will encompass activities related to the financial modelling of zero-emission vehicles, fleets, and associated infrastructure, including data analysis, impact assessment, and tool development. It will also involve interpreting and reporting total cost of ownership (TCO) and total cost of logistics operations (TCoL) results to identify opportunities for financial optimisation, as well as collaborating closely with project participants. Additionally, the role includes documenting findings in formal reports and contributing to the development of high-quality journal and conference papers and other necessary outputs. The research will be carried out with collaborators from several industrial and academic institutions. A budget for travel expenses will be provided.

About you

This is a Research Fellow position, so the successful candidate must have a strong background in mechanical/electrical engineering and should hold a postgraduate degree in business administration or economics. Also, knowledge in the following areas is required:

  • Conducting total cost of ownership (TCO) and total cost of logistics operations (TCoL) analyses for zero-emission vehicles, fleets, and supporting infrastructure.
  • Developing and applying financial and techno-economic models to assess vehicle, fleet, and infrastructure investment and operational costs.
  • Collecting, validating, and managing cost, performance, and operational data from project partners and external sources.
  • Analysing capital expenditure, operational expenditure, maintenance, energy, and lifecycle cost components.
  • Interpreting and evaluating TCO/TCoL results to identify cost drivers, financial risks, and optimisation opportunities.
  • Assessing the economic impact of zero-emission technologies (e.g. battery electric, fuel cell, charging and refuelling infrastructure) across different use cases.
  • Developing decision-support tools and dashboards to support financial assessment and scenario analysis.
  • Applying sensitivity analysis, scenario modelling, and uncertainty analysis to financial and operational data.
  • Experience with data analysis and modelling tools 
  • Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
  • Producing technical reports, academic publications, and project deliverables related to financial and economic assessment.
  • Experience working in interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder research projects involving academia, industry, and public bodies.
  • Presenting research outcomes at project meetings, conferences, and stakeholder workshops.

    • You need to have good programming skills. The candidates should be motivated and enthusiastic to work in a team environment and should have experience in communicating findings in journal papers. 

    Solid understanding and experience in (one or more of) the following areas are additional advantages:

    • Familiarity with fleet operation, logistics or infrastructure planning for heavy-duty vehicles.
    • Familiarity with planning, costing or operation of wind farms, solar farms, grid connections or large-scale energy storage projects.
    • A research publication record in the related field
    • Experience of EU or UK-funded collaborative research projects in the field of transport, energy or automotive
    • Operating mechanisms of research projects 

    What we can offer

    The appointee will join the Software Defined EVs, AV Fleets and Infrastructure Laboratory at the School of Engineering at the University of Surrey, which has research interests in a wide range of topics, including active vehicle dynamics, electric powertrains, transmission systems for electric and hybrid electric vehicles, infrastructure, autonomous vehicles, tyres, batteries, as well as costing and sustainability. 

    In addition to a competitive salary you will receive 25 days annual leave, with additional days for Bank Holidays and University closure days. We offer a generous pension, flexible working options, access to world-class leisure facilities, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.

    How to apply

    To apply for this role, please upload a CV and submit a cover letter via the University website. You will also be asked some brief questions to help us understand your suitability for the position.

    Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Reader Ahu Ece Hartavi Karci, School of Engineering (tel: +44 (0)1483 682895, email a.hartavikarci@surrey.ac.uk ) for further information.

    The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We value everyone in our community and are seeking to increase the diversity. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

    Further details

    Job Description


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