Research Associate in Solar Mini-grid Integration for Sub-Saharan Africa

About the role

We are seeking an outstanding postdoctoral researcher in electrical power systems engineering with a strong interest and proven track record on the topic of advancing electricity access in Sub-Saharan Africa. The role will focus on solar-powered mini-grids centred on productive uses of electricity, and explore how interconnected mini-grids can share energy resources and support the national grid. Successful candidates should have a solid understanding of power systems engineering and power electronics technology for photovoltaic generation, battery storage and AC grid interfacing.

This post is funded by UKRI’s Moving IMPACT Project (Integrated Means to Power Agriculture, Clean Cooking and Transportation https://movingimpactproject.org/) and will investigate innovative power distribution solutions for Sub-Saharan Africa. You will collaborate with researchers across leading UK and African institutions and industry partners, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to broader dissemination and impact activities.

We welcome applications from ambitious researchers with the potential to become future leaders in electricity access and a clear commitment to delivering meaningful progress in sustainable development.

What you would be doing

1. Analyse time series of network voltage or current measurements obtained in weak power distribution systems to characterise them.
2. Build and validate electrical simulation model of weak power distribution systems to test and refine grid-support algorithms for solar mini-grids.
3. Design and develop new services to enable solar mini-grids to deliver valuable support to the national grid.
4. Collaborate with industry partners to ensure solutions fit real-world conditions, and help plan field tests and user trials where possible.

What we are looking for

1. A PhD in Electrical Engineering in a field relevant to power systems engineering and power electronics technology for photovoltaic generation, battery storage and AC grid interfacing. 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. A clear interest in electricity access and commitment to delivering meaningful progress in sustainable development.
3. Ability to analyse load flow, voltage regulation and basics of power systems dynamics.
4. Understanding of the principles of operation and limitations of power electronics hardware and common technology used in solar generation, grid-scale battery storage and solar mini-grids.
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.
2. Joining a diverse and multidisciplinary team of researchers of top universities in the UK, Kenya, Rwanda and Ghana with opportunities to undertake secondments in other institutions.
3. The opportunity to grow your professional network through our links with industry, academia, and the public sector
4. Growing your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
5. Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

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