Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow in Energy Systems Modelling

• Full-time, Fixed-term (until 15 June 2027), Camperdown Campus
• Work closely with industry and government stakeholders
• Base Salary (Level A/B) $113,400 - $151,328 p.a + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow to join a flagship, industry-funded research program advancing carbon-neutral energy systems modelling for Australia's energy transition.

This role focuses on the development and application of advanced forecasting and scenario analysis methods within in-house grid modelling platform to inform the design of Australia's carbon-neutral energy value chain, including emerging renewable fuels markets. The successful candidate will contribute to precinct-scale and regional modelling that supports infrastructure planning, investment decisions, and policy development for net-zero pathways.

You will also work closely with industry and government stakeholders – including project partners, policy agencies, and sector leaders – to co-design modelling assumptions, validate outputs, and ensure the research is grounded in real-world needs and business cases.

You will work closely with Professor Ali Abbas ( School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering ) and Professor Gregor Verbic ( School of Electrical and Computer Engineering ), in partnership with industry collaborators.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• develop, implement, and refine a carbon-neutral demand forecasting framework within the grid systems platform
• undertake scenario-based energy systems modelling, including price elasticity, policy sensitivity, and subsidy impact analyses
• conduct in-depth demand analyses for CN energy business cases (with renewable fuels), identifying potential market size, infrastructure needs, and adoption conditions
• collaborate with industry, government, and community stakeholders to co-design modelling assumptions, validate outputs, and communicate findings
• align demand modelling outputs with supply-side energy planning tools (e.g. Plexos) used by project partners
• support the preparation of competitive grant applications to secure additional research funding
• disseminate results through high-quality publications, conference presentations, policy briefings, and project reports.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow in energy systems modelling who has:

• a PhD in power and energy systems, process systems engineering, industrial decarbonisation, energy economics, or a related discipline
• demonstrated expertise in energy systems modelling, energy systems optimisation, techno-economic forecasting, or agent-based modelling
• proficiency in scientific programming (preferably Julia, Python, or MATLAB)
• competence in data analysis and probabilistic modelling techniques
• experience with energy modelling tools (knowledge of Plexos is desirable)
• a strong record of independent and collaborative research, evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals
• excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage industry and government stakeholders
• experience in applied, interdisciplinary projects related to the energy transition will be highly regarded.

To apply for this position, please address the above criteria in a cover letter and attach it to your application.

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability , people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTIQ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Cherie Goodwin or Rebecca Astar, Recruitment Operations, Human Resources at

The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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Applications Close

Friday 10 October :59 PM