"Research Associate in Coordinated design and control of multi-infeed HVDC integrated power systems (2 Posts)"

We are looking to recruit a Research Associate to undertake an exciting project sponsored by UKRI in cooperation with international partners and UK industrial partners. As part of the role you will conduct research in the area of offshore HVDC transmission, onshore multi-infeed HVDC networks, converter modelling and control, and enhanced power system services, aiming to address the most pressing challenges in offshore wind power integration.

This 18-month collaborative project allows a successful candidate to focus on advancements of enhanced system services enabled by designing and operating multiple HVDC links. The goals of the project are to accomplish the following tasks:

• To enhance offshore wind power reliability by developing and demonstrating innovative solutions (e.g., fault ride-through, fault current provision, black-start, frequency support and grid forming capability).
• To model and validate VSC and LCC HVDC Network, including simulation and hardware Studies.
• Theoretical stability analysis and practical control strategy implementation.
• To create a tool that can optimise and develop a restoration strategy for multi-infeed HVDC networks.

The deliverables include:

• Developed multi-infeed simulation models.
• Configured hardware-In-the-Loop test rig using existing devices.
• Project reports.

The candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) UK and develop industry experience and commercial-relevant skills. This is a great chance to manage a challenging, real-world project and implement strategic development within an innovative company. The Associate will also contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, publish high-quality journal papers, pursue excellence in research and inspire others to do the same.

These full-time posts (35 hours per week) are available from 1 July 2025 and are fixed-term for 18 months, or until 31 December 2027, whichever is soonest.

Salary: £40,497 - £45,413 per annum (Grade 6). We do not anticipate appointing this position above the Starting Point of Grade 6.32, salary £40,497 per annum.

Job ref: 20404BR

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Prof. Jun Liang (liangj1@cardiff.ac.uk) and Dr Sheng Wang (WangS9@cardiff.ac.uk).

For further details about working at Cardiff School of Engineering please contact Karen Baldwin/Chiara Riolo/Bev Jones at Enginadmin@cardiff.ac.uk

Closing date: Tuesday, 26 August 2025

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University. Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.