ΔE⁺ (Delta-E-plus) explores the synergies and trade-offs at the nexus of energy⁺ to support effective policy development. Humanity has very little time to address the climate crisis. One of the major tools to address this challenge is the use of energy system models to provide decision and policy support, and to ground truth different technological development paths. The ΔE⁺ Research Group applies models to support policymakers around the world, helping countries meet the UN Sustainable Development goals. We bring on students to develop energy systems model algorithms, build model maintenance and data providence infrastructure (GitHub, Python), develop workflow and data visualization scripts (Python) and provide impactful policy decisions support.

Current Openings:

January 2024:  We are not currently looking to expand our team.

Note:  If you have a full scholarship (NSERC, etc.) or other external funding (Industry, Government) that will cover all your costs to pursue your degree please feel free to submit an application at any time irrespective of if there are funded openings listed above.  If you do submit an application and are expecting to have funding please send me an e-mail with the funding details indicating you applied and have funding to cover your entire program.  This must be a fully funded fellowship/scholarship from a recognized funding body.

Evaluation of candidates generally occurs 5.5 months before the start date of the term of entry (July 15 for January, November 15 for May and March 15 for September start).  Canadian residents/citizens or those with an existing study permit may be considered within six weeks of the term they wish to start (July 15 for September, November 15 for January, March 15 for September) for the right candidate.

Qualifications: 

• Undergraduate degree in a quantitative field, such as, engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, etc. A degree in economics, policy or related fields will be considered if candidate has strong analytical, mathematical and programming experience.
• At least 1 year of experience using python or similar programming languages for data analysis and processing.
• Experience with linear programming or MILP, applied to energy systems through existing modelling frameworks (OSeMOSYS, PyPSA) is an asset though not required.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.

Position Description:

Positions with ΔE⁺ are interdisciplinary, with empirical work, data analysis, technical analysis and modelling and summarizing results.  Specific research projects will be determined in collaboration with the successful candidates based on a combination of their skills and knowledge, funding sources available, and the needs of the research team.  Communication of research findings is a core component of these positions, including publishing research findings, presenting at conferences, and disseminating knowledge to the general public.

As a member of the ΔE⁺ Research Group you will be part of designing models to address the major challenges facing humanity, provide sustainable development support to developing countries, and be part of an exciting interdisciplinary research team.

How to submit:

If you feel you meet the requirements above please follow the application instructions in the link below: https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/DEPlusGradInquiry. Review of candidates is ongoing. The survey will allow you to attach your one-page cover letter and a one page CV in a single PDF file.

Within your cover letter, please address the following items:

• Summarize how skills from your prior education/job experience apply to our work. Be specific and reference specific projects that connect your background/interests to our work in concrete ways, including how your prior experiences have helped you develop:
  • Knowledge of various aspects of the energy system (and/or climate, land and/or water system).
  • Data analysis skills using Excel and/or Python/programming.
  • Programming, optimization modelling, geographic information systems skills.
  • Experience with different modelling methods for addressing sustainability challenges.
  • For Ph.D. students, formal research experience such as conference publications and/or published research papers.
• Describe concrete ways you contribute to an equitable, diverse and inclusive team and work environment.
• A one or two sentence paragraph explaining how you will support yourself in Canada while doing your graduate work. Though all graduate students in SEE are guaranteed some funding it is highly unlikely that the stipends we are able to provide will fully support you while you are studying in Surrey. How will you make up any shortfall?

We often get hundreds of inquiries each term, so it is imperative that you submit an application that addresses the items above in a succinct and clear manner.  Unfortunately, available funding and our ability to take on new students is significantly lower than the number of inquiries we receive so most inquiries will go unanswered.  Also note that e-mail inquiries will go unanswered.

Funding:  

Faculty in Sustainable Energy Engineering at SFU are required to provide minimum funding levels to all students as outlined in the mimium funding levels table below.  This is specified in the offer letter to successful applicants to the program.

Within the ΔE⁺ Research Group students typically exceed this minimum level through a combination of True Scholarships, Teaching Assistantships and Graduate Awards as outlined in the Typical Funding table below.  True Scholarship budgets for each student differ depending on the funding source and granting agency policies.  Please clarify with Dr. Niet the expected True Scholarship budget for the project you will be working on as this varies by project.

In the rare case where the True Scholarship for a given project does not meet SEE minimum policy students are expected to make up the difference through Teaching Assistantships and/or Graduate Awards.  In most cases students will be funded with True Scholarships at or above the minimum and TAing and Graduate Awards allow them to receive well above the minimum as outlined below.

Table 1:  SEE Minimum Funding Levels

Table 2:  Typical funding levels in ΔE+ Research Group

* Students must apply for TA positions in SEE and are not guaranteed to receive TAships, though most students are able to TA at least one course per year.

** Students must apply for Graduate Awards, which are awarded based on academic excellence and research progress.

Students are expected to budget and cover all their expenses from these funding sources.  This includes tuition, accomodation, food, cell phone, etc.

There are also often fellowships/scholarships and funding calls that you can apply for to receive additional funding. Sample locations to look for these scholarships include: 

• NSERC
• SFU Living Lab
• Mitacs

Additional Information:

Click to learn more about applying to the MASc or PhD programs in the School of Sustainable Energy Engineering.