Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Exeter; Exeter; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Freedom to pursue intellectual goals

Innovation, Impact and Business dir. &

Exeter Academic initiative

Generous maternity / parental leave

Beautiful campus

Job summary

University of Exeter seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a National Grid funded project developing AI-enabled grid planning automation tools. The role is full-time and available from 14/12/2026 for 12 months, based in the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy.

The successful candidate will have a PhD (or near completion), strong AI/ML expertise in energy systems, and a solid publication record. Proficiency in Python and clear communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD or near completion in a related field and strong research methods knowledge.
• Proven ability to apply advanced AI/ML to energy systems, esp. LLM/agentic AI.
• Strong publication record and excellent programming skills in Python.

Responsibilities

• Present research progress and outcomes to internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicate complex information clearly, in writing and orally.
• Prepare proposals and applications to external funding bodies.
• Demonstrate knowledge of power networks and established research methodologies.
• Develop AI-enabled grid planning automation tools within the project.

Skills

AI/ML in energy systems

LLM / agentic AI

Publication record

Python programming

Education

PhD or nearing completion

Tools

Python

Job description

About The Role

Postdoctoral Research Associate

This National Grid (NGET) funded full-timepost is available from 14/12/2026 for 12 months.

The Role

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a National Grid funded project to develop AI enabled grid planning automation tools.

About You

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies. Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.

Applicants will be able to demonstrate:

• Sound knowledge of the discipline (power networks) and research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.
• Extensive experience of applying advanced AI and ML to energy systems, especially LLM, agentic AI.
• Strong publication record and sound programming skills in Python.

Prof.Zhong Fan or Dr. Shuhang Shen, [e-mail], [e-mail]

About Us

Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future

Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russell Group university (QS & THE World University Rankings 2025), excelling in teaching (triple Gold rating, TEF 2023) and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England.

We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice.

We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities.

Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably.

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 140 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

What we can offer you:

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines;
• Support teams that understand the University wide teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly;
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development;
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supports high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career;
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy;
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon/Cornwall.