Research Fellow in Digital Twin of LV Grids for V2X Integration

University of Salford; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative opportunity awaits for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at a forward-thinking institution, focusing on the development of a digital twin for low-voltage electricity grids. This role emphasizes advanced modeling and simulation to enhance grid flexibility and integrate distributed energy resources. Join a vibrant team dedicated to pioneering research that bridges academia and industry, while contributing to sustainable innovation. Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a flexible working culture that supports a healthy work-life balance. Be part of a transformative project that shapes the future of energy systems.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent pension scheme

32 days leave

Flexible working culture

Qualifications

• Proficiency in programming with Python and MATLAB.
• Knowledge of microeconomic theory and sustainability in energy.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement modeling frameworks for LV electricity grids.
• Manage research projects and collaborate with stakeholders.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Microeconomic Theory

Project Management

Education

PhD in relevant field

Tools

OpenDSS

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Digital Twin of LV Grids for V2X Integration

Opportunity:

Salford Business School boasts a vibrant international community. We are pioneers in redefining education and its role in shaping the future and world around us. Industry collaborations, knowledge transfer partnerships, research partnerships, international exchanges, student opportunities, outreach activities - these are just some of the ways we connect and work together. We have recently launched our Centre for Sustainable Innovation (CSI), which acts as a catalyst for collaboration between academia, policymakers, and industry, helping empower businesses to overcome new and existing challenges in today’s dynamic landscape.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our research team studying grid-edge flexibility in low-voltage (LV) electricity networks. The successful candidate will develop a digital twin of LV distribution grids to analyze the impact of local flexibility on grid operation. This role involves advanced modeling and simulation using Python and OpenDSS, focusing on assessing the contribution of distributed energy resources to grid flexibility.

The role:

Design, develop, and implement innovative modeling and simulation frameworks for studying local flexibility in LV electricity grids. Focus on analyzing the impact of distributed energy resources (DERs), bidirectional EVs, and other demand-side flexibility solutions. Examine and integrate the roles of emerging actors such as charge point operators (CPOs) and e-mobility service providers (EMSPs), acting as intermediaries between distribution system operators (DSOs) and end users. Validate models using digital twins and real-world data from pilot sites in the UK and EU.

The post-holder will:

• Support the Project Lead in delivering the DriVe2X Project.
• Manage research projects and contribute to team projects.
• Undertake data collection and analysis activities.
• Develop and nurture partnerships with stakeholders.
• Collaborate across disciplines with internal and external partners.
• Present and publish research findings in academic and non-academic outlets.
• Perform other duties as required by the Project Lead.

We hope you will bring:

• Knowledge of microeconomic theory (market structures, competition, game theory) and proficiency in programming (Python, MATLAB).
• Understanding of sustainable cities, local energy communities, V2G, flexibility markets, policy, and standards related to EVs and distributed energy in the EU and UK.
• Experience in high-quality academic research.
• Experience working with public and/or private sectors.
• Project management skills and administrative capability.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary and excellent pension scheme.
• 32 days leave, plus bank holidays, winter break, and options to buy more leave.
• Flexible working culture supporting work-life balance.