Research Associate in Power System Transformation

Location: South Kensington Campus, London (hybrid)

About the role:

Would you like to work on innovative research on electricity services that can make a real difference in the transition to low carbon emitting power systems?

We are excited to invite applications for a postdoctoral Research Associate at our Global Energy Centre "EPICS" (Electric Power Innovation for a Carbon-Free Society). At this interdisciplinary Centre, you will be undertaking research to adapt services and processes power system operators manage to keep the lights on and costs at an affordable rate. Your research will be grounded in electrical engineering and electricity economics while considering the impact of novel policies facilitating the transition to net zero.

What you would be doing:

1. You will be adapting and developing models of the electricity market to simulate the effects of alternative service designs and planning and operating processes.
2. You will be assessing the impact of alternative designs on the efficient operation of the power systems and on the costs and risks faced by generators, storage assets, and electricity demand.
3. You will monitor, summarize, and participate in ongoing discussions about changes in grid code, processes, and market arrangements.
4. You will develop novel services that effectively leverage the capabilities of all assets connected to power systems and propose enhancements to processes that ensure effective and timely integration of emerging assets.
5. You will work alongside academics specializing in engineering and social sciences and practitioners who are developing and implementing cutting-edge methodologies.

What we are looking for:

1. A PhD in Electrical Engineering or a similar relevant discipline, such as Operations Research or Economics. Candidates with a PhD near to completion will be considered for appointment as a Research Assistant, with promotion on successful completion (after all corrections have been accepted by the examiners and the awarding university has accepted this).
2. An interest in the energy transition; prior experience in power system planning or power system operation under uncertainty is desirable but not essential.
3. Experience in optimization models and in handling datasets including forecast errors and long-term scenarios.
4. Ability to construct optimization models in one or more software; familiarity with Python or Julia would be an advantage.
5. Excellent academic writing and presentation skills.
6. Independence in thought and action and creative thinking that can lead to development of highly impactful solutions and high-quality publications.

What we can offer you:

1. The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to advance science for sustainability.
2. The EPICS consortium is made up of universities in the UK (funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council), Australia and the US, and our industrial partners include several of the world’s leading electricity system operators. You may have the opportunity to work for a short period at one of these partner universities or companies.
3. Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
4. Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further information and full job description visible once you click Apply

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