PhD Studentship: Quantum-Uplifted Advanced Resilient Topology Optimisation for Net-Zero Electricity Networks

Award summary

100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £19,237 (2024/25 UKRI rate). Additional project costs will also be provided. 

Overview

The UK electricity network plays a crucial role in achieving the nation’s net-zero goals through the electrification of different energy sectors. However, it faces significant challenges, including the need to ensure grid resilience cost-effectively under the integration of weather-dependent renewables, particularly during extreme events. These challenges can be addressed through various flexible resources/services, such as topology optimisation of electricity networks, ensuring system resilience and offering cost savings. This research focuses on innovative approaches to topology optimisation as a computationally intensive problem, with particular emphasis on enhancing grid resilience under extreme events. Furthermore, this project leverages advanced quantum-assisted optimisation/decomposition techniques, providing superior computational capabilities compared to classic optimisation methods, to ensure system resilience using topology optimisation.  

Number of awards: 1

Start date: 1^st October 2025

Award duration: 4 years

Sponsor: EPSRC 

Supervisors

Main Supervisor: Dr Shahab Dehghan  

Co-Supervisor: Dr David Greenwood  

Co-Supervisor: Prof Vladimir Terzija  

Eligibility criteria

A minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (Electrical Engineering/Computer Science/Operations Research/Energy) is our standard entry, however we place value on prior experience, enthusiasm for research, and the ability to think and work independently. Excellent analytical skills and strong verbal/written communication skills are essential requirements. Strong proficiency in programming with Python/Julia is desirable. A master’s qualification is not required if you have a minimum 2:1 degree or can evidence alternative experience in a work or research-based project.

For EPSRC DLA applications we are following the EDEPI competency-based framework. Please read and complete this document as your Personal statement, and upload this with your application. Applications which do not include this document will not be considered. Further details can be found here.

Home and international applicants (inc. EU) are welcome to apply and if successful will receive a full studentship. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.

International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.

How to apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:

• Search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8060F
• Select PhD Electrical and Electronic Engineering (full time) as the programme of study 

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:

• A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) – Use this template.
• The studentship code DLA2519 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field.
• When prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.

You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application.

Contact details: shahab.dehghan@newcastle.ac.uk

You can also contact: doctoral.awards@ncl.ac.uk for independent advice on your application.

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