Research Fellow in Digital Twin of LV Grids for V2X Integration

The University of Salford; West Kilbride; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to develop a digital twin of low-voltage electricity grids. The role involves advanced modeling and simulation to analyze the impact of local flexibility on grid operations, working with various stakeholders and contributing to significant research projects.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Excellent pension scheme

32 days leave

Flexible Working

Qualifications

• Experience conducting high-quality research in academic settings.
• Strong understanding of sustainable cities and local energy communities.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement modeling frameworks for local flexibility in LV grids.
• Manage research projects and conduct data collection and analysis.

Skills

Knowledge of microeconomic theory

Programming

Research

Project management

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Digital Twin of LV Grids for V2X Integration

Opportunity:

Salford Business School boasts a vibrant international community. We are pioneers in redefining education and its role in shaping the future and world around us. Industry collaborations, knowledge transfer partnerships, research partnerships, international exchanges, student opportunities, outreach activities - these are just some of the ways we connect and work together. We have recently launched our Centre for Sustainable Innovation (CSI), which acts as a catalyst for collaboration between academia, policymakers, and industry, helping empower businesses to overcome new and existing challenges in today’s dynamic landscape.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our research team studying grid-edge flexibility in low-voltage (LV) electricity networks. The successful candidate will develop a digital twin of LV distribution grids to analyze the impact of local flexibility on grid operation. This role involves advanced modeling and simulation using Python and OpenDSS, focusing on assessing the contribution of distributed energy resources to grid flexibility.

The role:

Design, develop, and implement innovative modeling and simulation frameworks for studying local flexibility in LV electricity grids. The focus will be on analyzing the impact of distributed energy resources (DERs), bidirectional EVs, and other demand-side flexibility solutions on grid operation. The role includes examining and integrating the strategic roles of emerging actors such as charge point operators (CPOs) and e-mobility service providers (EMSPs), who act as intermediaries between distribution system operators (DSOs) and end-users. Developed models will be tested using digital twins and validated with real-world data from pilot sites in the UK and EU.

The post-holder will work with and report to the Project Lead, developing, leading, and delivering research projects, building partnerships, and representing the team in technical discussions and project meetings to ensure effective collaboration and knowledge exchange. The role involves conducting advanced simulation and data-driven analysis to evaluate the role of grid-edge flexibility in LV network operation.

• Support the Project Lead in delivering the DriVe2X Project.
• Manage research projects and contribute to others' projects as required.
• Undertake data collection and analysis activities.
• Develop and nurture partnerships with stakeholders.
• Work across disciplines with internal, external, domestic, and international partners.
• Present findings and publish research in academic and non-academic outlets.
• Perform other duties as required by the Project Lead.

We hope you will bring:

• Knowledge of microeconomic theory (market structures, competition, strategic interactions, bidding, consumer cooperative and noncooperative behavior, game theory) and proficiency in programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB).
• Strong understanding of sustainable cities, local energy communities, V2G, flexibility markets, policy and market issues related to local energy communities in the EU and UK, charging codes, and EV/distributed energy standards.
• Experience conducting high-quality research in academic settings.
• Experience working with public and/or private sectors.
• Project management skills and a willingness to undertake administrative tasks.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive Salary and excellent pension scheme.
• 32 days leave, plus bank holidays, winter break, and options to buy more!
• Flexible Working – supporting a culture of flexible and agile work to help you find the right balance.