Research Assistant/Associate in Designing Active Low-Carbon Communities

Salary:

Research Assistant - £33,951 to £35,608 per annum

Research Associate - £36,636 to £46,049 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 14 May 2026

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.

To increase operational efficiency, reduce losses, and extend the useful life of electrical equipment in LV distribution networks, power electronic devices (PEDs) are widely used. However, ensuring effective electrical protection for such an innovative LV network design remains critical.

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.

Given the focus of the role, we are particularly keen to appoint researchers who are motivated to undertake collaborative research with industry partners. We seek to apply innovative methods to address real‑world challenges whilst delivering significant academic contributions.

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.

Key Accountabilities

• Support development and documentation for the D‑Suite and SOLACE projects.
• Formulate and solve optimisation and protection coordination problems, developing algorithms which have appropriate accuracy, precision, and speed.
• Write up and present results from own research activity and provide input into the project’s dissemination (technical reports, conference and journal papers in appropriate outlets).
• Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of the projects.
• Co‑ordinate own work with that of others, deal with problems which may affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the projects.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of the structure of power distribution networks and the impact of PEDs and LCTs on distribution networks and buildings
• Experience in developing high‑fidelity models of PEDs/LCTs and implementing them in EMTP‑type dynamic simulations to understand the distribution of fault currents during different types of faults in LV networks
• Understand principles of power system protection and protection coordination
• Knowledge in developing AI‑based applications for advanced LV network protection and operation
• Experience in formulating optimisation problems and solving them using appropriate methods
• Understanding of the potential use‑cases of network operator‑owned active power electronics solutions
• Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences with clarity
• Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues
• The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems
• Experience of presenting research at conferences and/or in high‑quality publications
• Evidence of potential to publish journal articles with research of international significance

Desirable

• Experience in active network design and flexibility assessment using PowerFactory/DIgSILENT software package
• Experience in running EMT‑type dynamic simulations and fault studies
• Experience working with Matlab Simulink and/or PSCAD software packages
• Experience in building‑level performance and techno‑economic modelling using EnergyPlus or IESVE
• Experience working with high‑resolution electricity consumption and renewable generation data
• Knowledge of socio‑economic considerations supporting equitable LCT deployment
• Experience working with Distribution Network Operators or Utilities on research, innovation or consulting projects
• Experience working with Python, Git, and/or Object‑Oriented Programming

Attributes and Behaviour

• Commitment to working positively as a member of a research team
• Ability to communicate work to a range of audiences, including researchers, engineers, and the general public
• Ability to prioritise competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines
• Commitment to continued professional development
• Understanding of and commitment to good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity (EDI) in line with Newcastle University’s EDI principles

Qualifications

Research Assistant

• First degree in engineering or numerate subject (e.g., mathematics, physical sciences, computer science)
• PhD close to completion in the field of Power Systems, Smart Grids, Power Electronics and Control, or related discipline (upon PhD completion, will transition to Research Associate)

In addition for Research Associate

• PhD awarded in the field of Power Systems, Smart Grids, Power Electronics and Control, or related discipline

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID: 29181

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