Research Associate in Grid integration of renewable power using AC/DC technologies

We are looking to recruit two Research Associates to undertake an exciting project sponsored by UKRI in cooperation with international partners and UK industrial partners. As part of the role you will conduct research in the area of offshore HVDC transmission, onshore grid integration, converter modelling and control, and enhanced power system services, aiming to address the most pressing challenges in offshore wind power integration.

This 18-month collaborative project allows a successful candidate to focus on advancements of enhanced system services enabled by designing and operating voltage source converters (VSC). The goals of the project are to accomplish the following tasks:

• To enhance renewable power reliability by developing and demonstrating innovative solutions. (e.g.  voltage support, frequency support, black-start, and system restoration).
• To model and validate AC/DC networks, including simulation and hardware tests.
• Theoretical stability analysis and practical control strategy implementation
• To create a tool that can optimise and develop a restoration strategy for AC power networks.

The deliverables include: 

• Developed AC/DC simulation models.
• Configured hardware-In-the-Loop test rig using existing devices.
• Project reports.  

The candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with international partners and UK industrial partner, and develop international collaboration networking, industry experience and commercial-relevant skills. This is a great chance to manage a challenging, real-world project and implement strategic development within an innovative company. The Research Associate will also contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, pursue excellence in research and inspire others to do the same.

Job details

This full-time post (35-hour per week) is available from 1 January 2026 and is fixed-term for 18 months, but cannot exceed 31 December 2027.

Salary: £41,064 - £46,049 per annum (Grade 6). We do not anticipate appointing this position above the starting point of Grade 6.32, salary £41,064 per annum.

Job ref: 21071BR

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Prof. Jun Liang (liangj1@cardiff.ac.uk).

For further details about working at Cardiff School of Engineering please contact Karen Baldwin/Chiara Riolo /Bev Jones at Enginadmin@cardiff.ac.uk

Closing date: Friday, 9 January 2026

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

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