Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI-enabled Grid Planning Automation

University of Exeter; Exeter; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Exeter invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Research Associate role funded by National Grid to develop AI-enabled grid planning automation tools. The successful candidate will join a cross-disciplinary team within the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy.

Applicants should have a PhD (or near completion), strong AI/ML experience in energy systems, a solid publication record, and Python proficiency. Contact details provided for inquiries and submissions.

Qualifications

• PhD (or nearing completion) in a related field and ability to work within established research programmes.
• Sound knowledge of power networks and research methods to work within established research programmes.
• Extensive experience applying AI and ML to energy systems, especially LLM and agentic AI.
• Strong publication record and sound programming skills in Python.

Responsibilities

• Present information on research progress and outcomes, orally and in writing.
• Prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Skills

AI/ML in energy

Python programming

Power networks knowledge

Publication track record

Education

PhD (or near completion)

Tools

LLM

Job description

This National Grid (NGET) funded full-time post 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.

Please contact 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.

How we can help

If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at [e-mail]. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.

The closing date for applications is 16 November.

From £35,302 (Starting salary will be from £35,302, depending on knowledge, skills and experience.)