Research Associate in Grid integration of renewable power using AC/DC technologies

Cardiff University; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking two Research Associates to conduct research on offshore HVDC transmission and grid integration as part of a collaborative project. Candidates will develop innovative solutions to enhance renewable power reliability and model AC/DC networks. This full-time position offers a salary between £41,064 and £46,049 per annum. The role is available from January 1, 2026, for 18 months. Interested applicants should contact the specified professors for enquiries.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field is preferred for the Research Associate role.
• Experience in HVDC transmission and grid connection strategies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in power systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on offshore HVDC transmission and grid integration.
• Enhance renewable power reliability through innovative solutions.
• Model and validate AC/DC networks and conduct simulations.

Skills

Research in offshore HVDC transmission

Grid integration

Converter modelling

Control strategies

Simulation and hardware tests

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

AC/DC simulation tools

Hardware-in-the-loop testing

Job description

We are looking to recruit two Research Associates to undertake an exciting project sponsored by UKRI in cooperation with international partners and UK industrial partners. As part of the role you will conduct research in the area of offshore HVDC transmission, onshore grid integration, converter modelling and control, and enhanced power system services, aiming to address the most pressing challenges in offshore wind power integration.

This 18-month collaborative project allows a successful candidate to focus on advancements of enhanced system services enabled by designing and operating voltage source converters (VSC). The goals of the project are to accomplish the following tasks:

• To enhance renewable power reliability by developing and demonstrating innovative solutions (e.g. voltage support, frequency support, black‑start, and system restoration).
• To model and validate AC/DC networks, including simulation and hardware tests.
• Theoretical stability analysis and practical control strategy implementation.
• To create a tool that can optimise and develop a restoration strategy for AC power networks.

Deliverables

• Developed AC/DC simulation models.
• Configured hardware‑in‑the‑loop test rig using existing devices.
• Project reports.

Job details

This full‑time post (35‑hour per week) is available from 1 January 2026 and is fixed‑term for 18 months, but cannot exceed 31 December 2027. Salary: £41,064 – £46,049 per annum (Grade 6). Job ref: 21071BR.

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Prof. Jun Liang ([e-mail]). For further details about working at Cardiff School of Engineering please contact Karen Baldwin, Chiara Riolo, Bev Jones ([e-mail]).

Closing date

Friday, 9 January 2026

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at "Responsible research assessment – Research – Cardiff University".