Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA): AI and Digital Twin Development

University of York; York; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of York seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop AI-enhanced Digital Twins for solar energy systems aimed at transforming energy access in rural Africa. The role involves extensive travel, real-time monitoring, and contributions to research dissemination, requiring a strong background in AI and excellent programming skills.

Benefits

Family friendly employment policies

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• PhD or nearing completion in a relevant field.
• Strong expertise in AI and real-time systems.
• Proficient in relevant programming languages.

Responsibilities

• Develop AI-enhanced Digital Twins for solar energy systems.
• Integrate IoT, edge, and cloud technologies.
• Travel to Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia for fieldwork.

Skills

AI for real-time systems

Predictive analytics

Digital Twins

Interpersonal skills

Programming skills

Education

PhD in AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, Control, or Energy Systems Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Python

C++

Job description

School of Physics, Engineering and Technology

The School of Physics, Engineering and Technology brings physicists and engineers together to push the frontiers of knowledge, foster innovation and meet the grand challenges facing society. Our aim is to deliver world-leading research in both fundamental and applied areas whilst developing new technologies that work for the public good, in an environment where everyone can thrive.

As a School, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to our culture and we strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We aim to ensure that there is a supportive and egalitarian culture at all levels and across all staff groups and offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, campus facilities and services to support staff from different backgrounds. We are proud to hold Juno Champion and Athena Swan silver awards, which recognise our commitment to creating an equitable and fully inclusive environment in which staff and students can thrive. We aim to inspire young people to engage with science and engineering through our outreach work.

You will join a dynamic interdisciplinary team advancing Digital Twin and AI innovations to transform energy access in rural Africa. Led by the University of York with partners in Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia, the project designs and deploys AI-driven Digital Twin systems for standalone solar mini-grids, empowering communities and enhancing system resilience.

Role

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will develop AI-enhanced Digital Twins for solar energy systems, enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and performance optimization. You will design modular architectures integrating IoT, edge, and cloud technologies for low-connectivity environments. Extensive travel to Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia is required to work with stakeholders, conduct deployments, and train local technical teams. You will also contribute to research dissemination, capacity building, and open-source platform development.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

You will have:

• A PhD (or nearing completion) in AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, Control or Energy Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong expertise in AI for real-time systems, predictive analytics, or Digital Twins.
• Experience with IoT, edge computing, and cloud integration in rural or resource-constrained settings.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and AI/ML tools like TensorFlow or PyTorch.
• Excellent programming skills (e.g., Python, C++, or embedded systems).
• Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills, with the ability to engage rural communities.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently for extended fieldwork in Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of standalone solar mini-grids, battery systems, or microgrid controls.
• Familiarity with participatory or human-centred design in energy contexts.
• Experience designing mobile or voice-assisted interfaces in local languages.
• Prior fieldwork experience in Africa, South Asia, or other low- and middle-income country.

Interview date: TBC

For informal enquiries: Contact Prof. Suresh Perin ([e-mail]) or [e-mail].