Postdoctoral Fellow in Power Electronics and Real-Time Simulation

UNSW; Randwick; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

UNSW's School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to act as Hardware-in-the-Loop and Real-Time Simulation Specialist on the ARENA-funded PROFILES project. You will develop and operate real-time HiL environments, commission experimental setups, and integrate OEM controllers and power‑electronic equipment.

The role involves coordinating multi‑OEM testing, tackling synchronization and signal fidelity challenges, contributing to

Qualifications

• PhD in Power Electronics, Power Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated knowledge of power-electronic converters, converter control systems, renewable energy generation, energy storage systems and their interaction with electrical networks.
• Demonstrated expertise in real-time simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) testing, including controller hardware-in-the-loop (CHiL) and the integration of external controllers and/or protection relays.
• Demonstrated experience in EMT and real-time simulations for power electronics/power-system studies and familiarity with platforms such as PSCAD, RTDS, OPAL-RT, Typhoon HIL, PLECS.

Responsibilities

• Develop and operate HiL environments for the PROFILES project.
• Coordinate multi-OEM testing and demonstrations; address synchronization and signal fidelity issues.
• Engage in scholarly publications and research activities; supervise students as required.

Skills

Real-time simulation

HiL testing

Power systems

Controller integration

Education

PhD in Power Electronics/Power Engineering

Tools

PSCAD

RTDS

OPAL-RT

Typhoon HIL

PLECS

Job description

The Opportunity

The School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications has an opportunity for a Postdoctoral Fellow to work as the Hardware-in-the-Loop and Real-Time Simulation Specialist on the ARENA-funded PROFILES project. You will develop and operate real-time simulation and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) environments, prepare and commission experimental setups, and integrate original equipment manufacturer (OEM) controllers, power-electronic equipment and protection relays. You will also coordinate multi-OEM testing and demonstrations, and address technical challenges involving synchronisation, signal fidelity, system stability and interoperability. This position will provide you with the opportunity to further develop your research expertise while contributing to high-quality research outcomes. You will work independently and collaboratively, contribute to scholarly publications and research activities, engage with relevant stakeholders and research partners, participate in conferences and workshops, and assist with the supervision of research students where required. This role reports to Associate Professor Georgios Konstantinou and is jointly supervised by Dr Felipe Arrano Vargas. The position has no direct reports.

• Salary: Level B, Step 1 - AUD $133,065 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Employment type: Full time
• Appointment type: Fixed-term contract until May 2030
• Proposed start date: January 2027
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia

About UNSW

UNSW is a world-leading institution recognised for its scale, prestige, and impact. With strong industry engagement and partnerships across sectors, UNSW provides a unique environment where research expertise translates into real-world outcomes. The University is home to cutting-edge research that drives innovation and addresses some of society’s most pressing challenges. For researchers, UNSW offers an outstanding platform to thrive — combining world‑class facilities, collaborative networks, and a culture of innovation that supports research excellence, industry engagement, and meaningful societal impact. The UNSW School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications is one of Australia’s largest and most prestigious schools of its kind. With over 1,800 students and 43 academic staff, the School is internationally recognised for excellence in teaching, research and industry engagement across electrical engineering, telecommunications, robotics and emerging technologies. For further information about the School, please visit: https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/our-schools/electrical-engineering-telecommunications

Skills & Experience

• A PhD in Power Electronics, Power Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated knowledge of power-electronic converters, converter control systems, renewable energy generation, energy storage systems and their interaction with electrical networks.
• Demonstrated expertise in real-time simulation and hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HiL) testing, including controller hardware‑in‑the‑loop (CHiL) and the integration of external controllers and/or protection relays.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and applying electromagnetic transient (EMT) and real‑time simulations for power electronics and/or power‑system studies, including relevant modelling and real‑time simulation platforms, such as PSCAD, RTDS, OPAL‑RT, Typhoon HIL, PLECS or equivalent tools.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated track record in research with outcomes of high quality and high impact with clear evidence of the desire and ability to continually achieve research excellence as well as the capacity for research leadership.
• High level communication skills and ability to network effectively and interact with a diverse range of students and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal and organisational skills.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge of grid‑forming and grid‑following converter control, protection systems, plant‑level control and interactions between inverter‑based resources and electrical networks.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols and interfaces used in power and energy systems.
• Experience collaborating with equipment manufacturers, network service providers, system operators or other electricity‑sector stakeholders.

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Tuesday, 24 November 2026

For role‑specific enquiries, please contact Associate Professor Georgios Konstantinou. E: [e-mail]. For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Eugene Aves (Talent Acquisition Partner). E: [e-mail].

As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre‑employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right‑to‑work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.