Cabot Institute Internship in Energy Research

22 August 2012

0.5 FTE October 2012 – March 2013 (6 months)

Hourly rate: £7.41

This role is a part-time role for an existing University of Bristol postgraduate with the University’s Cabot Institute and Research Enterprise Development.

The role supports a project called ‘Transforming University capacity for interdisciplinary energy research with industry’.  The project will significantly improve the University’s energy research capacity, particularly in terms of multidisciplinary research and research with industry. 

There is currently a vast range of energy-related research at the University, including research in conventional and renewable energy generation, infrastructure, materials, efficiency, storage, systems, ICT and integration, as well as energy futures and security.  This research is mostly disciplinary (within Engineering), and although excellent is not well joined up more widely across research groups, Schools and Faculties.  This project is designed to:

1. Develop new interdisciplinary research ideas that build on Bristol’s strengths and are informed by industry.
2. Transform the University understanding of energy industry drivers and priorities.
3. Build long-term strategic partnerships with external stakeholders.
4. Develop a cadre of collaborative research leaders of the future.

There are three pilot research projects that have been given small amounts of funding for their work, as part of this larger project.  These are in:

• new materials for solar energy (led by Dr David Fermin and Dr Martin Cryan),
• storage of nuclear materials (led by Dr Ross Springell), and
• whole energy systems (le by Dr Dritan Kaleshi). 

These diverse research projects will be supported by the energy intern.

The role

Drawing together existing sources of information about University-Industry contacts in relevant areas , through:

• Web-based research
• RED databases through alliance development and contracts, Engineering industrial liaison office, and key academics
• Contacts in Low Carbon Southwest, Regen-SW and the Environmental iNet

Presenting information about industry stakeholders to Cabot Institute Manager and to research group leads

Setting up small group meetings as requested – sending invitations and tracking attendance, booking rooms, ordering catering, taking notes if required

Helping to host delegation from Kyoto University to Cabot in January 2013

Helping to plan and deliver a Cabot Institute Energy Conference in March 2013, in conjunction with Low Carbon Southwest

Helping to plan and deliver a joint event of the Nuclear Research Centre and UK-PONI (Project on Nuclear Issues) in March 2013, on Nuclear Futures

Skills required

• Some scientific, technical or industry background
• Excellent time management, organisational skills and accuracy
• Good standard of Microsoft Office – Excel, Powerpoint and Word
• Ability to research, analyse, synthesise and present information
• Good presentation and communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Event management experience (desired)

Line management:  Dr Philippa Bayley, Cabot Institute Manager and James Lancaster, Head of Alliance Development, RED.

Deadline: Monday 8 October

Application: CV and covering letter

Contact: cabot-enquiries@bristol.ac.uk