Research Assistant/Associate in Designing Active Low-Carbon Communities

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Salary
Research Assistant - £33,951 to £35,608 per annum.
Research Associate - £36,636 to £46,049 per annum.

The Role
To enable the societal transition to a net-zero economy, electrical power systems are rapidly decarbonising supply whilst electrifying carbon-intensive demand. This is accelerating the integration of low-carbon technologies (LCTs), such as solar photovoltaics (PV), electric vehicles, heat pumps, and storage systems, into distribution networks. Delivering this transition requires coordinated innovation across both active distribution networks and renewable-integrated buildings and communities.

In this role, you will contribute to Newcastle University's efforts to address the above challenge by supporting the development of advanced tools and models for the design and operation of active low-carbon communities and PEDs-rich LV distribution networks. The position forms a key part of the flagship D-Suite project, led by UK utility SP Energy Networks, as well as the SOLACE project in collaboration with Newcastle City Council. Working as a member of Newcastle's Power Systems research group, and supported by the University's Research Software Engineering team, you will advance the development and enhancement of modelling and dynamic simulation frameworks for the integration of diverse PEDs and LCTs into distribution networks and buildings across both D-Suite and SOLACE. Therefore, your research will focus on understanding electromagnetic transient processes (EMTP) in modern distribution networks and developing tools for the optimal integration of PEDs/LCTs and the design of effective classical and AI-based protection concepts.

Your core responsibilities will also include contributing to broader research activities on power-electronics-based power systems within the Electrical Power Group. In addition, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the £15m EPSRC-funded Energy Demand Research Centre (EDRC), working collaboratively across a network of 14 leading universities throughout the UK. Further opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and research will be available through the Centre for Energy.

The post is full-time and fixed-term for 24 months. You will be based in the newly renovated Stephenson Building. We aim to hold interviews in the second half of March. Candidates invited to interview will be asked, in advance of the interview, to complete a half-day task within a window of at least 10 days (an example task for a different role within the research group is available here). A start date of May or early June 2026 is preferred, although later start dates may be considered.

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