Research Assistant - NNZA IMPACTS

Medirest Signature; North East; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Medirest Signature is seeking a highly motivated researcher to contribute to the IMPACTS project, which focuses on developing resilient, low-carbon microgrids. This role involves applying advanced optimisation and AI techniques while collaborating with a leading engineering firm. Ideal candidates are PhD holders or graduates with expertise in power systems and AI applications in energy. This is a fixed-term position for 6 months, expected to start by September 2025.

Qualifications

• PhD holder or a graduate in a relevant field.
• Expertise in power systems, optimisation, or AI applications in energy.

Responsibilities

• Apply advanced optimisation techniques and AI-based models.
• Contribute to decision-making in microgrid design and operation.
• Adapt and develop research protocols under project guidelines.

Skills

Optimisation techniques

AI applications in energy

Power systems expertise

Education

PhD in a related field

Degree in a relevant discipline

Job description

The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher - either a Grade 7 PhD holder, or a Grade 6 graduate - to join the IMPACTS project, funded by the Northern Net Zero Accelerator. The project addresses the growing energy demands of AI-driven datacentres by developing an intelligent platform for the design and optimisation of resilient, low-carbon microgrids. The role involves applying advanced optimisation techniques and AI-based models to support decision-making in microgrid design and operation.

Working in collaboration with a leading global mission critical firm of engineers, this project offers the opportunity to deliver tangible impact by integrating academic innovation with industrial challenges.

This is an exciting opportunity for a researcher with expertise in power systems, optimisation, or AI applications in energy, to contribute to a high-impact project with strong potential for commercialisation.

In both cases, the post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

This post is fixed term for 6 months as the project is time and funding limited.

Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1st September 2025.