Professor of Sustainable Energy Systems

School of Engineering & Innovation Location: Aston University Main Campus

Salary: £67,280 to £104,712 per annum

Grade: Band 01

Contract Type: Permanent

Basis: Full Time

Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Monday 20 July 2026

Interview Date: Wednesday 12 August 2026

Reference: 0790-26

Release Date: Monday 25 May 2026

The School of Engineering and Innovation is looking to appoint a Professor within the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI). This is an important strategic role within one of Aston University’s flagship research environments, offering the opportunity to contribute to and shape impactful research and innovation that supports the transition to net zero. The post builds on EBRI’s established strengths in areas such as sustainable energy, hydrogen systems, industrial decarbonisation, and whole-system approaches to the energy transition.

The successful candidate will bring a strong and internationally recognised profile in research, alongside a collaborative and engaging approach to leadership and partnership working. A track record of translating research into meaningful impact will be important, whether through policy influence, industry collaboration, commercial activity, or real-world application. Experience of securing external funding from sources such as UKRI, Horizon Europe, Innovate UK and industry partners will also be valued.

The role will lead the development of an ambitious and inclusive research vision that supports EBRI’s long-term goals and fully harnesses the strengths of its people, partnerships and facilities. Working collaboratively across disciplines, the post will encourage integrative approaches that bring together experimental research, modelling and systems thinking. There will be opportunities to foster and lead major collaborative initiatives with academic, government, civic and industry partners in the UK and internationally, as well as to bring people together across engineering and the wider energy research community to strengthen connections and maximise impact.

EBRI offers an excellent environment for this work, with access to facilities such as the Wolfson Centre for Low Carbon Hydrogen and a supportive, interdisciplinary community delivering innovative programmes aligned to national and global sustainable energy priorities.

A key aspect of the role will be contributing to Aston’s global reputation for applied research, partnership working and inclusive innovation. This will include supporting the development of high-performing and supportive teams, contributing to research-informed teaching, and helping to attract, mentor and develop talented staff and doctoral researchers.

What we offer:

• Aston University is a vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days of bank holiday and University closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family-friendly policies.
• On-site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.

This role is likely to qualify for endorsement under the Endorsed Funder route of the Global Talent visa. This visa is for talented or promising individuals in academia or research in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, or humanities.

See the Home Office guidance: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications

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