Research Associate/Senior Research Associate in Autonomous Operation of Power Networks

An exciting new opportunity exists to work on a Leverhulme Trust-funded project investigating autonomous operation of power networks. This project aims to improve and advance scientific understanding of how a complex and dynamic power grid system can monitor, search, configure and optimise itself with minimal human intervention responsive to dynamic performance changes in real-time and in automated ways. The research to be conducted will include development of new learning algorithms and models for optimised and resilience system operation and evaluation of the effectiveness of these tools in monitoring, searching and network topology configuration to adapt to environment changes. The role of this appointment will also disseminate and publicise the project outcomes to both research and practitioner community via journals, conferences, and outreach activities. This project is funded by The Leverhulme Trust and is a collaboration between School of Engineering and School of Computing and Communications at Lancaster University. 

You should have a PhD in Engineering, preferably in electrical engineering or renewable engineering or software development with evidence of knowledge of electrical power engineering, with a background in scientific research into machine and deep learning, modelling, optimisation and control for power system operation. Knowledge and experience of the fundamental operation of cyber-physical power systems, power system simulation, and big data analytics and of working in interdisciplinary teams to strict deadlines is desirable. 

This is a fixed-term, full-time 34 months appointment.

Lancaster University is campus-based, and is situated adjacent to the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and proximate to another AONB and two National Parks in the north-west of England. The town and the region are home to a variety of excellent schools and enjoy excellent public transport and national rail links. A wide selection of facilities is available on campus including a large variety of social facilities, eateries, a new sports centre, and a highly regarded pre-school centre. 

The University is a member of the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address gender inequality in higher education and research.

We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups. 

Informal enquiries can be made to: Dr Xiandong Ma, E-mail: xiandong.ma@lancaster.ac.uk

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Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.

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We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity. 

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