Applications are invited for a Research Fellow position to join the REDUCE research team. This position is full time and the successful candidate would be expected to commence as soon after 1 October 2010 as possible.  The post finishes on the 31st of September 2013. 

The overall objective of REDUCE is to evaluate the feasibility of using network technologies and sensor devices (now being used in telecommunications) to create a persuasive energy-conscious network in a real life pilot setting and then study the potential impact on user behaviour leading to reductions in electricity demand and peak load shifts. 

The project is a multidisciplinary project involving researchers and academics from two different faculties in the university - Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences - Department of Psychology & Faculty of Electronics and Physical Sciences - Centre for Environmental Strategy & the Centre for Communications Systems Research 

 

The Psychology strand of this research will focus on understanding public acceptability of electricity network technologies, sensors and smart devices and to examine how consumers interact with these devices as well as how interaction may impact on energy behaviours. 

The researcher will be expected to conduct studies ranging from focus groups discussions and in depth interview in order to explore understanding and perceived acceptability of these technologies/ And field experimental studies in the first instance at the University of Surrey (which will be used as a test lab for the technologies) to study behavioural responses and energy use. The project aims to gain both qualitative in depth insight into consumer technology interactions as well as quantitative, experimental evidence of actual behavioural responses and changes in energy consumption. 

You will have skills and experience in social research methodologies. You will hold a postgraduate qualification in social science, preferably a doctorate and will have statistical skills and a good working knowledge of SPSS.  You should be able to write clear technical survey reports and have experience of writing academic journal articles.   

For informal inquiries contact Dr Birgitta Gatersleben or Prof David Uzzell on 01483 689306 or 01483 689430 email [log in to unmask]  or [log in to unmask]  

For further details please go to https://jobs.surrey.ac.uk/index.html

To apply on line, please visit www.surrey.ac.uk/vacancies.   Alternatively please contact Rebecca Varcoe via email on [log in to unmask]  or by telephone on 01483 689646 quoting reference 7635. To send an application, please email or post to Rebecca Varcoe, HR Assistant, Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH. 

Closing date for applications: 4th July 2010 

Interview board to be held: 20th July 2010 

We acknowledge, understand and embrace cultural diversity