This project aims to improve and advance scientific understanding of how a complex and dynamic power grid system can monitor, search, configure and optimise itself with minimal human intervention responsive to dynamic performance changes in real-time and in automated ways. The research to be conducted will include development of new learning algorithms and models for optimised and resilience system operation and evaluation of the effectiveness of these tools in monitoring, searching and network topology configuration to adapt to environment changes. The role of this appointment will also disseminate and publicise the project outcomes to both research and practitioner community via journals, conferences, and outreach activities. This project is funded by The Leverhulme Trust and is a collaboration between School of Engineering and School of Computing and Communications at Lancaster University. 

You should have a PhD in Engineering, preferably in electrical engineering or renewable engineering or software development with evidence of knowledge of electrical power engineering, with a strong background in scientific research into machine and deep learning, modelling and monitoring, optimisation and control for power system operation. Knowledge and experience of the fundamental operation of cyber-physical power systems, PSCAD/EMTDC simulation, and big data analytics and of working in interdisciplinary teams to strict deadlines is highly desirable. 

This is a full-time appointment, funded until 31/08/2026 in the first instance.

Lancaster University is campus-based, and is situated adjacent to the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and proximate to another AONB and two National Parks in the north-west of England. The town and the region are home to a variety of excellent schools and enjoy excellent public transport and national rail links. A wide selection of facilities is available on campus including a large variety of social facilities, eateries, a new sports centre, and a highly regarded pre-school centre. 

The University is a member of the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address gender inequality in higher education and research.

We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups. 

Informal enquiries can be made to: Dr Xiandong Ma, E-mail: xiandong.ma@lancaster.ac.uk

Further details:

• Job Description
• Person Specification

Please note: Unless specified otherwise in the advert wording, all advertised roles are UK based.  

The University provides an environment that strongly supports the individual needs of each employee, whilst promoting the importance of wellbeing for all our colleagues. We have a range of support networks available for our employees, and more information on these can be found on the ‘Working at Lancaster’ information page.  

We are committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies on an individual basis. The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education. 

We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.