Research Assistant or Associate in Stability of IBR-dominated Grids

About the role

Applications are invited for a Research Associate position within the Control and Power Research Group, working on a new research initiative focused on load modelling in power systems at grid supply points (GSPs) and their impact on system stability amid declining system strength in inverter-dominated grids. You will contribute to cutting-edge research that bridges fundamental modelling theory and real-world applications, supporting the UK’s transition towards a renewable, inverter-based power system. The project is funded by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) and you will work closely with the engineering team at SSEN to translate your research to real-world impacts.

What you would be doing

As a Research Associate, you will investigate the evolving role of electrical loads in power system dynamics and stability as system strength continues to decline. Building on existing frameworks such as the WECC Composite Load Model (CLM), you will develop and validate data-driven methods for load identification and modelling to infer load behaviour from measurements at the grid supply point (GSP). Your work will help determine whether new load types need to be defined in the CLM framework to accommodate new components like EV chargers and distributed generation, and you will apply these insights to both large-signal and small-signal stability analyses. Working closely with academic and industrial partners, you will deliver models and tools that enhance the stability and reliability of future low-inertia power systems.

What we are looking for

You must have a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Control Engineering, Physics or Mathematics (or equivalent) for appointment at Research Associate level and have previous experience in research and innovation in IBRs and power systems. You should have deep knowledge on load modelling, as well as power system stability analysis and operation. Good understanding of control theory, especially system identification is expected. Good experimental or simulation skills are expected. Industrial experience is desired but not mandatory.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to develop your career at a world-leading institution
• The opportunity to engage with industrial partners to deliver impacts on real world
• The opportunity to reshape the paradigm of power system analysis and operation
• The opportunity to receive training and mentoring from world-leading experts

Further information

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range £43,863- £47,223 per annum.

The posts are available from 05 Jan 2026 for up to 18 months in the first instance, with the possibility of extension. The posts are based in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Imperial College London (South Kensington Campus) working with Dr Yunjie Gu.

If you require any further details on the role please contact Dr Yunjie Gu yunjie.gu@imperial.ac.uk.

To apply, please click the 'Apply' button above. Please ensure you include a completed application form with your submission. 

Further information about the post is available in the job description.

Closing date: midnight on 17th November 2025

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