Assistant Research & Development Engineer (Smart Grid) 617079

FTE: 1 (35 hours/week)
Term: Fixed Term (12 months)

The University of Strathclyde in Glasgow possesses a large internationally rated Engineering Faculty with a proud history of successful joint ventures with industrial and enterprise partners. As part of the University’s strategic development, the Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC) has been established in Wardpark North near Cumbernauld. The PNDC is a world-class facility with dedicated staff that will accelerate the adoption of new, 'smart' technologies within advanced power grids, supporting the increased accommodation of renewable energy, electric vehicles and demand side management. The £12.5 million Centre - the first of its kind in Europe – has been founded by the University of Strathclyde and leading energy companies including Scottish Power Energy Networks and Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution, with support from Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Funding Council. Tier 1 industry members of the centre include Scottish Power Energy Networks, Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution, and UK Power Networks.

The PNDC seeks to appoint an Assistant Research and Development Engineer to support delivery of research and knowledge exchange projects in the area of smart grid power systems. This role will involve supporting live network testing using PNDC onsite test infrastructure, real time power system simulation and supporting project dissemination to a wide range of stakeholders. This role will include working in the following thematic areas: the Control Room of the Future, Network and Demand Side management, and the Transition to DSO.

The successful candidate will work as part of a growing dynamic team on a wide range of technical projects and research with particular emphasis on power systems. Opportunities for innovation are extensive, through the strong working relationship and routes to market afforded by the PNDC industry members. This will be supplemented with collaborative opportunities with other research and industry teams in the UK and abroad.

To achieve the above, the R&D Engineer will require demonstrable knowledge, research and/or industrial experience in at least one of the following technical areas:

1. Power system lab or network testing
2. Electrical power system steady state and transient modelling
3. DSO/DNO or SO Control Room Design and/or Operation
4. Active Network Management
5. Demand Side Management/Response
6. Distribution Ancillary Services
7. Aggregators
8. System Transition (e.g. DSO)

To be considered for the role, you will be educated to Degree level in electrical and engineering or have relevant work experience in a similar role.

You will have an ability to plan and organise your own workload, excellent troubleshooting skills, including a methodical approach to solving complex problems, and an ability to work as part of a team. You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to interact with a range of stakeholders in both industry and academia and an ability to listen, engage and persuade, and to present complex information in an accessible way to a range of audiences.

Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Kyle Jennett, Lead R&D Engineer (kyle.jennett@strath.ac.uk/+44 1236 617161).

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