Research Assistant - UKRI Doctoral Network Researcher

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Glasgow Caledonian University - the University for the Common Good - is a vibrant, values-led, multi-cultural, civic University with a global outlook and strong commitment to delivering social innovation and sustainable development in its education and research.  Our organisational strategy is aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and our globally recognised researchers advise governments, industry and international bodies. In 2023 we rocketed into the top 40 universities in the UK in the highly regarded Guardian University Guide, were ranked the UK’s 2nd top performing modern university in the inaugural Daily Mail guide, and entered the top highly coveted 50 UK universities in the 2024 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide for the first time. We are the top performing modern University in Scotland in all three guides. We are the only Scottish university with EcoCampus Platinum accreditation and were ranked second in Scotland for sustainability in the most recent People and Planet league table.

The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering within the School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, has an excellent track record in funded and impactful research projects. Building on this successful track record, the department wishes to appoint a Research Assistant to be part of a vibrant team contributing to an upcoming exciting project funded by the UKRI to develop novel methods for Robust Volt/VAr control for modern power distribution networks.

The main purpose of the role is to contribute to the delivery of a fully funded project which aims to develop novel methods for voltage regulation of modern power distribution networks which have appreciable renewable energy integration. The position involves undertaking full time research in the area of electrical power distribution optimal operation and control.

The duties and responsibilities will include –

• Carry out network modelling and analysis to develop, test and validate the new algorithm.
• Develop publishable research outputs; support, and be supported by, colleagues in this process.
• Participate in the work of the research team and use research resources efficiently and effectively to achieve outcomes.

• Be involved in general tasks associated with the project such as research trainings, secondments and attending project meetings.

We are seeking a research assistant who holds a master’s level qualification in Electrical Engineering with a focus in power systems. They must be eligible to meet the academic requirement to register for a PhD at Glasgow Caledonian University. They must be confident in their own abilities, be eager to take initiative and work independently as well as part of a team.

 

The essential requirements include –

• Holding a master’s level qualification in the area of Electrical Engineering, preferrable power systems.
• Good understanding of research methods and their application.
• Evidence of excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to summarise and present analyses in technical reports.
• In depth knowledge and appropriate expertise in Electrical Distribution Systems, their modelling and analysis.
• Good understanding of the fundamentals of power system optimisation methods.
• Knowledge/experience of a high level programming language like MATLAB or Python.
• Good time management and organizational skills, and ability to work individually or as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad to conduct research and attend conferences.

Desirable requirements are;

• Prior experience of power system optimization techniques
• A record of publications

Applicants not to have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date — unless as part of a compulsory national service or a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention.

For an informal discussion on any aspects of the role, you can contact Dr. Firdous Ul Nazir, Lecturer of Electrical Power Engineering in Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at firdousul.nazir@gcu.ac.uk.

As the University for the Common Good, we are committed to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion, as well as our values in everything that we do.  As such, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who demonstrate the GCU Values.

Glasgow Caledonian University is committed to a fair and transparent recruitment process that is free from bias so that we can attract and retain a high performing workforce which makes a critical contribution to our success​.

The University holds the prestigious Athena SWAN Silver institution award, which recognises our significant record of activity and achievement in promoting gender equality across different disciplines.

As a Disability Confident 'Committed' employer, we are striving to ensure that our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to disabled people. Although the Disability Confident 'Committed' level does not guarantee an interview for disabled applicants, we will make reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants during the recruitment process.

The University also holds the Carer Positive ‘Engaged’ employer award, which recognises our commitment to supporting staff with caring responsibilities.

Glasgow Caledonian University are committed signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant. 

The University offers a range of benefits including opportunities for professional development, family friendly policies, cycle to work scheme and onsite childcare facilities.

Please note that the appointment will be made on the first point of the salary scale (unless by exception).