SSE – PhD Research Placement: Future Energy Systems

SSE is at the forefront of the United Kingdom’s transition to a net-zero future. We are a leading generator of renewable energy and are building the network infrastructure required for a decarbonised society. We are investing billions in clean energy infrastructure, including onshore/offshore wind, hydro, and flexible power generation.

This placement sits at the heart of our innovation strategy and focuses on horizon scanning. Supporting the central Innovation Strategy team, the placement will identify emerging trends, drivers, and directions of change shaping future energy systems. SSE uses horizon scanning to identify likelihoods of future operating environments and test its strategies against future scenarios.

SSE is a leading generator of renewable electricity and one of the largest electricity network companies in the UK and Ireland. We develop, own and operate low carbon infrastructure to deliver a cheaper, cleaner and more secure homegrown energy system. Our core focus is on accelerating the build-out of renewables and the electricity networks required to deliver clean, homegrown, and secure energy for generations to come.

SSE is a purpose-driven energy company committed to building a better world of energy by accelerating the transition to net zero through sustainable innovation, and a fair, inclusive approach to climate action.

We are a Living Wage, Living Hours, and Fair Tax Mark accredited company with an inclusive and dynamic workforce. For more info on our diverse career opportunities with agile working and excellent benefits, please visit Careers at SSE.

This is a unique opportunity to join SSE’s central Innovation Strategy team and bridge the gap between theoretical academic research and applied industrial innovation. This placement will complete a 3-month horizon scanning exercise through a structured literature review. The candidate is expected to review publications from industry, academia, consultancies, think tanks, government, and grey literature triangulated through media reports. The findings will inform future energy scenarios and key policy, market, and technology innovation trends shaping the industry from now to 2050. We are looking for a candidate who can demonstrate a deep technical understanding of innovation trends with the ability to step back and look at trends from a macroeconomic perspective to inform strategy development.

• Conduct basic research and analysis on patterns and trends in energy sector.
• Contribute intellectually to the strategic direction of the Group Strategy team.
• Gathering Intelligence: Capturing a broad range of changes and perspectives from academia, government, think tanks, and technology publications.
• Risk & Opportunity Analysis: Assess which changes in technology and economy are likely to have the greatest impact on society and the energy sector, including unintended consequences and varying time horizons.
• Making Sense of Change: Synthesising your findings to understand how these developments could reshape markets, influence key players, and drive policy and regulatory responses. Compile the findings and strategy into PowerPoint presentations and Word documents.

• Currently enrolled in a research council funded PhD programme at an accredited university (preferred Year 2 and further advanced).
• Demonstrable expertise in qualitative research skills or mixed methods with basic quantitative research understanding. A curiosity for markets, economics or the energy sector is desirable.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team to translate complex theoretical concepts into practical insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Please note, this placement is not salaried by SSE. The position is designed to be compatible with a university-funded stipend and is not compatible with study breaks. It is the candidate’s responsibility to have secured funding and the right to work in the UK through their academic institution.

To apply for this placement, please send your CV and max 500-word personal statement explaining your motivation and how this experience aligns with the placement goals to Gianna.Huhn@sse.com

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 23rd November 2025

The successful candidate will report into Dr Gianna Huhn. Gianna leads SSE’s central innovation team advancing net zero energy solutions through academic and industry collaboration. She holds a PhD in social sciences from Durham University. Prior to joining SSE, she was acting Research Director at the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. At SSE, Gianna champions purpose- driven research and partnerships to shape a resilient, low-carbon energy futures.

Group Strategy at SSE is excited to welcome you to our upcoming meet-and-greet hosted at our office and online. Please complete this form to confirm your attendance and help us tailor the experience to your needs. Whether you’re joining us in person or virtually, we look forward to having you! Time: 10th Nov 12pm-1pm. Office location: Victoria Plaza, 111 Buckingham Palace Road, Greater London SW1W 0SR

Book here