Research Associate: Power Networks

Salary: £34,308 - £42,155

Term: Fixed Term (24 months)

FTE: 1.0 (35 hours)

Closing Date: 27 February 2023

The Dept. of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde has a history of impactful work on electric power systems. A key foundation of that work for many years has been close collaboration with Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) which owns and operates the distribution networks in central and Southern Scotland, Merseyside and North Wales, and owns, develops and maintains the transmission network in central and Southern Scotland.

A Post-Doctoral Research Associate is sought to undertake research in partnership with SPEN helping to drive forward the low carbon energy transition and find solutions to real-world problems. The challenges are many and various, at root relating to facilitation of renewable generation and growth of demand due to the electrification of heat, transport and industry. What will be the most effective ways of using existing network capacity, enhancing it in a timely manner, developing networks sector practice and regulatory and commercial regimes, and meeting network users’ different needs?

The successful candidate will work with colleagues at the University, in PNDC and at SPEN to co-develop and deliver research. The relationship with SPEN and the open format of this post-doctoral appointment offer a great opportunity to be creative and make a difference. Moreover, you will be part of a group at Strathclyde that has both strong links with industry, government and regulators, and excellent academic credentials. This position therefore offers not only the freedom to express curiosity and generate and share knowledge in an academic research career but also the opportunity to make a difference to industrial practice and policy and to further the energy transition in a material way.

The Research Associate will join one of the UK’s most internationally recognised electrical energy and power systems research groups, working closely with colleagues including the holder of the Scottish Power Chair in Future Power Systems, Keith Bell. The appointed individual will be expected to hold or soon to gain in a PhD in a subject related to the development and operation of power networks to accommodate low carbon generation and new loads such as electrified heat and transport, or to have equivalent industry experience. They will also be expected to have strong analytical and energy system modelling skills and experience in presenting research results and advice to industry partners and policy makers. They should have experience in handling large volumes of data and in development of modelling tools, and evident capability in written communication, through industry reports or success in publishing in a reputable academic journals.

Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Prof Keith Bell, Scottish Power Professor of Future Power Systems (keith.bell@strath.c.uk).

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