Internal Applicants Only - Research Associate

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This post is currently open to employees of Cardiff University only.  Please do not apply if you do not have a current contract of employment with the University.

Internal Applicants Only - Research Associate in Coordinated design and control of multi-infeed HVDC integrated power systems. (2 Posts)
Cardiff School of Engineering

We are looking to recruit a Research Associate 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 multi-infeed HVDC networks, 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 multiple HVDC links. The goals of the project are to accomplish the following tasks: 

•    To enhance offshore wind power reliability by developing and demonstrating innovative solutions. (e.g.  fault ride-through, fault current provision, black-start, frequency support and grid forming capability).
•    To model and validate VSC and LCC HVDC Network, including simulation and hardware Studies.
•    Theoretical stability analysis and practical control strategy implementation
•    To create a tool that can optimise and develop a restoration strategy for multi-infeed HVDC networks. 

The deliverables include:
•    Developed multi-infeed simulation models.
•    Configured hardware-In-the-Loop test rig using existing devices.
•    Project reports.  

The candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) UK and develop 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 Associate will also contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, publish high-quality journal papers, pursue excellence in research and inspire others to do the same. 

This full-time post (35 hours per week) is available from 1 July 2025 and is fixed-term for 18 months, or until 31 December 2027, whichever is soonest.

Salary: £40,497 - £45,413 per annum (Grade 6). We do not anticipate appointing this position above the Starting Point of Grade 6.32, salary £40,497 per annum.

Job ref: 20404BR 

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Prof. Jun Liang (liangj1@cardiff.ac.uk) and Dr Sheng Wang (WangS9@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, 25 July 2025

External applications are currently not being considered for this post.  If the decision is made to open the post to external candidates, the strapline at the top will be removed and you will be given ample time to apply – please check back periodically for details.

The School of Engineering holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. Cardiff University is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. For this vacancy we actively encourage women to apply. We will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share opportunities. 

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.

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

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

Job Description

To conduct research within grid integration of renewable, modelling, stability and grid support, and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same. 

Research 
•    To conduct research within grid integration of renewable, modelling, fault response and grid support, and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
•    To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
•    To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
•    To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
•    To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
•    To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
•    To participate in School research activities.
•    To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects

Other
•    To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
•    To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
•    To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
•    Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria 

Qualifications and Education
1.    Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2.    An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:
i.    HVDC links including VSC and LCC
ii.    Converter control strategies and theoretical stability analysis
iii.    Operation of multi-infeed HVDC systems (fault ride-through, fault current provision, black start, system restoration, and grid frequency support)
iv.    Power converters for renewable energy and energy storage

3.    Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field
4.    Proven ability to publish in national/international journals / national/international conferences and/or other research outputs.
5.    Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies.
6.    Proven software skills for PSCAD/EMTDC and MATLAB; simulation and proven skills for hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) emulation and tests. 

Communication and Team Working
7.    Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication.
8.    Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals.

Other
9.    Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work
10.  Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria 

11.    Relevant professional qualification(s).
12.    Evidence of collaborations with industry.
13.    Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
14.    Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School. 

Additional Information

IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria
Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable criteria. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance, 20404BR

Job Category

Academic - Research