Research Associate in Power System Modelling

Job reference: SAE-029002
Salary: £37,174 to £45,413 per annum, depending on relevant experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering
Location: Oxford Road
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Hours Per Week: Full Time (1 FTE)
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 08/07/2025
Contract Duration: 13 months
School/Directorate: School of Engineering

We are currently seeking recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to participate in the investigation of operating performance and optimisation of existing and new Quadrature Boosters (QB) in the UK power network. This National Grid funded post aims to develop new QB coordinated control strategies to manage future network constraints and optimise effective power flow control. The successful applicant will develop a coordinated control strategy of multiple QBs to maximise their usage in GB’s network, and will investigate the optimisation of sizing and location of power flow devices in the network.

Job Description

The project aims to develop new QB coordinated control strategies to manage future network constraints and optimise effective power flow control. The successful applicant will develop a coordinated control strategy of multiple QBs to maximise their usage in GB’s network, and will investigate the optimisation of sizing and location of power flow devices in the network.

As part of the project, you will be expected to develop a coordinated control strategy of multiple QBs to maximise the power transfer capabilities of critical transmission boundaries, whilst minimising risk and ensuring resilience and reliability, and will investigate the optimisation of sizing and location of power flow devices in the network. The project will bring significant benefits on reduced constraint management cost and increased boundary transfer capability of the transmission network, which could delay or reduce the need for new builds and bring cost savings to consumers

The successful applicant will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study, with sufficient specialist knowledge in power system analysis and optimisation with simulation skills in power system modelling. Ideally, the candidate will have been active in the field of power system engineering with a background and experience in at least one of the following areas: i) power system steady-state and transient analyses, ii) power system coordinated control, iii) optimisation of power system design and operation. The successful applicant will be proficient in using power system simulation software, e.g., DIgSILENT PowerFactory. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, and act as team leader as required. In addition, a track record of project management and industrial collaboration is an advantage.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Prof. Zhongdong Wang

Email: zhongdong.wang@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

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