Context
The ambition of the Supergen ORE Hub is to accelerate the impact of current and future offshore renewable energy devices and systems, driving forward demonstrable contributions to the UK meeting Net Zero.
The rapid Offshore Renewable Energy expansion is essential to the UK for:
- Net Zero and climate change mitigation,
- energy security,
- green growth and jobs
Climate change mitigation: Under pressing targets, offshore renewable energy needs to be deployed 10 times faster than current rates to meet Net Zero targets set out in the 6th Carbon budget. If we are to meet the UK plans for Net Zero, Energy Security and a Just Transition, there needs to be a significant acceleration in underpinning research, the supply chain, infrastructure, skills and training.
Energy security: Offshore renewable energy growth will mitigate the effects of the cost-of-living crisis and geopolitical instability. Offshore renewable energy can minimise consumer energy costs, but many research and engineering challenges need addressing to realise the scale and rate of deployment required. A fourfold reduction in project consenting time is targeted, requiring a whole system approach with interdisciplinary collaboration underpinned by research and innovation.
Green growth and jobs: The UK’s offshore renewable energy industry growth underpins new high-skilled jobs, often in areas of the UK in most need of investment, supporting the levelling up agenda. With abundant resource off UK shores, the rapid expansion of offshore renewable energy for Net Zero could help achieve a Just Transition, providing economic and social benefits and support the UK as a world leader in offshore renewable energy deployment and technology.
With an increased focus on delivering and enabling impact, the Supergen ORE Hub will drive faster offshore renewable energy expansion via four high level objectives:
- Streamlining offshore renewable energy projects, by accelerating planning, consenting and build out timescales.
- Upscaling the scale and efficiency of devices and systems, and the offshore renewable energy workforce.
- Competitiveness: maximising offshore renewable energy local content and economic viability in the energy mix, to maximise UK benefits of the drive to Net Zero.
- Sustainability: ensuring positive environmental and societal benefits; a just transition.
The role of Early Career Researchers (ECRs) in the transition to Net Zero
To tackle the challenges as already outlined, the Supergen ORE Hub will deliver the high-level objectives and lead the contribution of offshore renewable energy to Net Zero via Core Research and Area Leadership. As part of this research leadership, the Supergen ORE Hub supports an ECR network of over 200 ECRs within offshore renewable energy, together with a programme of activities ranging from mentoring to training. The ECR network and associated programme is a key element in the Hub strategy to help develop the UK offshore renewable energy research leaders of the future. For the second phase of the Supergen ORE Hub, the Hub will continue to deliver a wide range of support and activities ECRs, building on the momentum developed in Phase 1.
The ECR programme will enable ECRs to upskill and connect with more senior researchers, in the UK and internationally, creating a diverse and supportive community that nurtures the next generation of offshore renewable energy research leaders. The Hub will foster the career development of researchers and attract new talent to the sector, upskilling the next generation of engineers and scientists to support the transition to Net Zero through offshore renewable energy.
Early Career Communications Officer -
Call details
We have opened the call for a new representative from the Early Career network - specifically a Communications Officer - to help build the network and develop its activities. This voluntary role, serving with the wider Committee, is a great opportunity for the selected individual to influence the shape and activities of the Early Career network, build and establish relationships within the network and support their career development.
Details
- A 12-month, voluntary position.
- Working alongside the Committee.
- Develop, promote and organise events and activities.
Requirements
- Commit time to attend online planning meetings, liaise with the network and wider community and contribute to tasks.
- You must have a network of early career contacts within the offshore renewable energy community that enables you to represent wider views to the Management Board.
- Must be in the early stages of your career, either in academia or industry/commercial settings. See the Definition below.
- Will need to commit to attending the Annual Assembly and Forums.
Any questions, please email us.
Application process
Applications are welcomed in the following format:
1) A 1-page (A4) CV that clearly states your career stage to satisfy eligibility.
2) A 1-page (A4) statement which outlines why you feel you will be suitable for the role, including the reasons for applying, a commitment to engagement with the requirements of the role, and an indication as to your connection with the wider community.
Please submit your application by email to supergenOREHub@plymouth.ac.uk by the deadline of 10am Monday 7 July.
Assessment process
All eligible applications will be reviewed by the the Supergen ORE Hub Directors, and a decision will be made within 3 weeks of the application deadline with announcements made by the end of July.
Queries
For any queries please email supergenOREHub@plymouth.ac.uk
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
The Supergen ORE Hub supports the value of the diversity of its staff and stakeholders, enabling all to realise their full potential by valuing the contribution of everyone and recognising and harnessing the benefits that differences can bring. The Supergen ORE Hub is committed to eliminating unlawful discrimination and promoting equality of opportunity and good relations across and between the defined equalities groups in all their relevant functions. Accordingly, no eligible applicant will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender re-assignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnicity or national origins, religion, or similar philosophical belief, spent criminal conviction, age or disability. Equally, all applications will be assessed on equal terms, regardless of the sex, age and/or ethnicity of the applicant. Applications will therefore be assessed and graded on their merits, in accordance with the criteria and the aims and objectives set for the call.
Definition
We are looking for individuals working in an offshore renewable energy setting in the following circumstances:
- Industry/commercial setting - early stages of a career - first 6 years.
- Academia - Researchers who are either:
• Early Career Academic Staff (less than 3 years from first academic appointment),
• Post-Doctoral Research Assistants.
Whilst the wider Hub early career researcher network includes and welcomes final year PhD students it is felt that the committee roles are better suited to those who are further developed in their academic career.
