Research Associate: SOLAR Photovoltaic to MOVE for Systems Integration 774828

University of Strathclyde; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Scotland is seeking a full-time Research Associate to support the SOLAR-MOVE project focused on electric vehicle integration with photovoltaic technology. This role requires a PhD or significant relevant experience, along with hands-on experience in power electronics. Responsibilities include developing tools for system flexibility and contributing to research outputs. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset. This position is for a fixed term of 20 months, with an anticipated start date of April 20, 2026.

Qualifications

• Educated to minimum PhD level or significant relevant experience.
• Knowledge in electric mobility and power electronics systems.
• Ability to conduct individual research and prepare proposals.

Responsibilities

• Work on PV production estimation and fault detection in ePIPV systems.
• Develop intelligent tools for system flexibility.
• Support real-world PV-integrated electric bus demonstration.

Skills

Power electronics laboratory experience

Teamwork

Excellent interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Ability to plan and organize

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a full-time Research Associate to support the delivery of the SOLAR Photovoltaic to MOVE for Systems Integration (SOLAR-MOVE) project (fixed term 20 months), a Horizon Europe initiative. The SOLAR-MOVE project aims to contribute to the massive adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) minimizing their impact in the power grid by proposing solutions for different Vehicles Integrated Photovoltaic (VIPV) ecosystems in passenger transportation. The SOLAR-MOVE will follow three main targets: i) increase the range of the VIPV in 5 to 10 km/day compared to normal EVs; ii) reduce the dependency on the grid (energy provided by the grid) from 20 to 50 %, depending on the eco‑system; and iii) create solutions with positive Net Present Value. To achieve these goals the consortium - comprised by 34 partners across 16 countries - will develop innovative VIPV solutions, including tools to be integrated in VIPV; VIPV prototypes (Heavy‑duty vehicles with PV in the trailer, garbage trucks, passenger buses, last‑mile delivery and motorhome); VIPV Use Optimisation solutions to maximise the range of the VIPVs; and ePIPV (charging stations with PVs) for diverse applications (in highways, opportunity charging for eBus, ePIPVs at municipality level, public ePIPV in commercial areas and private ePIPVs).

Your Role

• Work on PV production estimation and fault detection in ePIPV systems.
• Develop intelligent support tools to enable system flexibility.
• Create simulation platforms for power electronics system integration.
• Support the real‑world demonstration of a PV‑integrated electric bus.

Please note: Prior hands‑on power electronics laboratory experience is essential for this role. Ideal start date is April 20, 2026.

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr. I Safak Bayram, [e-mail].

Research Associate Responsibilities

As a Research Associate, under the general guidance of a research leader, you will develop research objectives and proposals, play a lead role in relation to a specific project/s or part of a broader project, conduct individual and/or collaborative research, contribute to the development of new research methods, identify sources of funding, and contribute to the securing of funds for research, including drafting grant proposals and planning for future proposals. You will write up research work for publication, individually or in collaboration with colleagues, and disseminate the results via peer reviewed journal publications and presentation at conferences. You will join external networks to share information and ideas, inform the development of research objectives and to identify potential sources of funding. You will collaborate with colleagues to ensure that research advances inform departmental teaching effort and you will collaborate with colleagues on the development of knowledge exchange activities by, for example, participating in initiatives which establish research links with industry and influence public policy and the professions. You will supervise student projects, provide advice to students and contribute to teaching as required by, for example, running tutorials and supervising practical work. You will contribute in a developing capacity to Department/School, Faculty and/or University administrative and management functions and committees and engage in continuous professional development.

Qualifications

To be considered for the role, you will be educated to a minimum of PhD level in an appropriate discipline, or have significant relevant experience in addition to a relevant degree. You will have sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge in electric mobility and power electronics systems and a developing ability to conduct individual research work, to disseminate results and to prepare research proposals. You will have an ability to plan and organise your own workload effectively and an ability to work within a team environment. You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to listen, engage and persuade, and to present complex information in an accessible way to a range of audiences.

Whilst not essential for the role, applications are welcomed from candidates with: relevant work experience, membership of relevant Chartered/professional bodies (including the Higher Education Academy), experience of relevant student supervision and teaching activities, and/or experience of knowledge exchange related activities.

Additional Information

Whilst a Post-Doctoral Research Associate is ideally sought for this position; applications from candidates who are close to PhD completion or whose award is pending, are welcome. In such circumstances, the appointment will be made at Research Assistant level (grade 6) and duties will be adjusted to reflect the grade of the post. This will continue until the PhD award is confirmed, at which point the duties and grade will be revised accordingly.