PhD: Optimal Placement of Battery Electric Bus Charging Infrastructure in Energy Community Network

Tyndall National Institute; Coolmore Cross; On-site; EUR 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in Ireland seeks a PhD candidate for a studentship focused on optimal placement of electric bus charging infrastructure. The successful candidate will receive a €25,000 annual stipend, contribute to impactful research, and engage with experienced researchers. The role requires a relevant honours degree and proficiency in simulation tools. Applications close on 26th November 2025.

Benefits

Annual stipend of €25,000

Yearly university academic fees covered

Possibility of partial fee waiver for non-EU students

Qualifications

• Experience in power systems and renewable energy modelling.
• Demonstrable English language proficiency is essential.
• Ability to work independently according to schedule.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and innovative research.
• Collaborate with colleagues and industrial partners.
• Engage in dissemination of research results.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Control engineering

Communication engineering

Research project delivery

Communication skills

Education

First or upper second-class honours degree in electrical/control/communication engineering

MSc in a related discipline (desirable)

Tools

Matlab

Python

OpenDSS

Job description

PhD: Optimal Placement of Battery Electric Bus Charging Infrastructure in Energy Community Network

Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

The Intelligent Grid (iG) Research team at International Energy Research Centre (IERC), Tyndall National Institute, University College, Cork invites applications for a PhD Studentship in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of BEST-IRE, a project funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, on modelling optimisation of BEB charging infrastructure placement in power and transport networks. The Centre has well‑established researchers with extensive expertise in Smart Grid and Renewable Energy system integration. We are seeking well‑qualified and highly self‑motivated applicants to apply for this position.

Key Responsibilities and Research Objectives

This studentship will focus on innovation in modelling and co‑simulating power and transport coupled networks, BEB charging systems, transit charge management systems, and providing local flexibility through BEB charging systems. The solutions will be validated using real‑time simulation environments. The successful applicant will carry out independent and innovative research that will lead to high‑impact publications while developing advanced solutions within a research team. We encourage applicants with additional interest in power electronics and control system engineering.

Other responsibilities

• Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research, as directed by and with the support of senior research staff.
• Collaborate with colleagues and the industrial partner to achieve the most impactful outcomes.
• Reporting and presenting the work regularly (internal and external)
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
• Ensure all activities comply with the Tyndall Quality Management system and required Health & Safety standards.
• Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• First or upper second‑class honours degree in electrical/control/communication engineering
• Educational and research experience in power systems, renewable and energy storage systems modelling and energy management systems
• Demonstrable English language proficiency is essential
• Experience with appropriate lab equipment, simulation tools and modelling software (Matlab, Python, OpenDSS etc)
• Ability to work independently according to schedule
• Demonstrates capability in the delivery of research projects at the undergraduate level
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• High levels of initiative, self‑management, achievement orientation and motivation are encouraged

Desirable Criteria

• MSc in a related discipline
• Experience in power systems and network modelling

This studentship will be based in the International Energy Research Centre (IERC) at Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork.

For any informal queries, please get in touch with Dr Shafi Khadem.

An annual student stipend of €25,000 (tax‑free) applies to this successful candidate for this position. The Tyndall National Institute will pay yearly university academic fees (EU fees of €5,700). Non‑EU international students are required to make up the fee deficit (currently approx. €15,000 p.a.); however, a partial fee waiver may be applied under certain circumstances.

The closing date for applications is 1pm, 26th November 2025.

Application Instructions

Postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency as per UCC regulations (https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/). Certificates should be valid (usually less than 2 years old) and should be uploaded with their application.

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.

The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.

Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.

At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.

Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.