Research Associate in Energy Storage System Modelling
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.
Overview
We are seeking a Research Associate to join our world-leading Electrical Machines and Power group in the University of Sheffield. You will join a team of three leading academics to address key research challenges for energy storage with respect to increasing the penetration of electric vehicle charging systems throughout the UK. The project will contribute directly to the decrease in costs associated with the installation of EV and Fleet charging points, and will impact the mitigation of climate change. This grant aims to develop a novel hybrid OVES solution and design methodology to rate and deliver off grid EV charging stations.
You will be a forward thinking and imaginative person, who is capable of leading a work package to deliver the objectives of this innovative collaborative project. You will have an in-depth knowledge of energy storage systems, power networks, power electronics and practical system control together with experience using modelling and simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink together with real time control, Labview, data acquisition and prototyping platforms. It is essential that you can demonstrate practical work in these areas, as the project aims to produce demonstrator systems at scale. This is an ideal opportunity to undertake high quality research in collaboration with leading academic and industry partners in the field.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria
Essential Or Desirable
Stage(s) assessed at
Hold or be close to completing a PhD in electrical or power electronic engineering or closely related discipline (or have equivalent experience)
Essential
Application
Experience in modelling and simulation tools, such as MATLAB/Simulink and/or Labview.
Essential
Application/Interview
Experience of developing embedded software and hardware for power electronics/drives applications
Essential
Application/Interview
Experience of using programming languages, particularly C and Python.
Essential
Application/Interview
Experience of publishing in peer-reviewed journals
Essential
Application/Interview
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing publications/reports and presenting your findings to a range of audiences
Essential
Application/Interview
Ability to work effectively within a team environment including individuals both internal and external to the University
Essential
Application/Interview
Ability to plan own workload and prioritise conflicting deadlines
Essential
Application/Interview
Ability to make decisions and apply creative approaches to solving complex technical problems
Essential
Application/Interview
Demonstrable experience in hardware design/construction in the field of power electronics/energy storage
Essential
Application/Interview
Experience in systems modelling
Desirable
Application/interview
Further Information
Grade
7
Salary
£38,784 - £41,064
Work arrangement
Full-time
Duration
A start of as soon as possible with an end date of 31 July 2027
Line manager
Professor David Stone
Our website
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/eee
For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor David Stone, Professor in Electrical Engineering on d.a.stone@sheffield.ac.uk.
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in March 2026. This will consist of an interview and a presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage in March 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact eee-operations@sheffield.ac.uk.
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What We Offer
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.
Overview
We are seeking a Research Associate to join our world-leading Electrical Machines and Power group in the University of Sheffield. You will join a team of three leading academics to address key research challenges for energy storage with respect to increasing the penetration of electric vehicle charging systems throughout the UK. The project will contribute directly to the decrease in costs associated with the installation of EV and Fleet charging points, and will impact the mitigation of climate change. This grant aims to develop a novel hybrid OVES solution and design methodology to rate and deliver off grid EV charging stations.
You will be a forward thinking and imaginative person, who is capable of leading a work package to deliver the objectives of this innovative collaborative project. You will have an in-depth knowledge of energy storage systems, power networks, power electronics and practical system control together with experience using modelling and simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink together with real time control, Labview, data acquisition and prototyping platforms. It is essential that you can demonstrate practical work in these areas, as the project aims to produce demonstrator systems at scale. This is an ideal opportunity to undertake high quality research in collaboration with leading academic and industry partners in the field.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Undertake research and modelling of energy storage systems and their application
- Develop novel, application-based energy storage strategies and analysis techniques applicable from cell to power systems level
- Develop energy storage system specification and liaise with academic and industry partners and external suppliers/service providers ready for system implementation
- Implementation of energy storage system design including day-to-day project management and oversight of contractors
- Undertake design, construction and testing of prototype technology demonstrator
- Analyse and record data to aid future research and to produce useful findings for funders, policy makers and practitioners
- Write supporting documents to contribute to and support the work of the research group, for example, project reports, deliverables, and interim reports
- Carry out administration, as necessary
- Participate in regular project meetings with partners
- Prepare and deliver papers for journals/presentations either in the University or at conferences or seminars to disseminate research findings
- Maintain a systematic record of scientific outcomes
- Plan own research schedule adn workload to ensure that the overall project milestones and objectives are met
- Plan and prepare several months in advance for patents, publications and conference presentations
- Co-supervise student projects related to this project
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria
Essential Or Desirable
Stage(s) assessed at
Hold or be close to completing a PhD in electrical or power electronic engineering or closely related discipline (or have equivalent experience)
Essential
Application
Experience in modelling and simulation tools, such as MATLAB/Simulink and/or Labview.
Essential
Application/Interview
Experience of developing embedded software and hardware for power electronics/drives applications
Essential
Application/Interview
Experience of using programming languages, particularly C and Python.
Essential
Application/Interview
Experience of publishing in peer-reviewed journals
Essential
Application/Interview
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing publications/reports and presenting your findings to a range of audiences
Essential
Application/Interview
Ability to work effectively within a team environment including individuals both internal and external to the University
Essential
Application/Interview
Ability to plan own workload and prioritise conflicting deadlines
Essential
Application/Interview
Ability to make decisions and apply creative approaches to solving complex technical problems
Essential
Application/Interview
Demonstrable experience in hardware design/construction in the field of power electronics/energy storage
Essential
Application/Interview
Experience in systems modelling
Desirable
Application/interview
Further Information
Grade
7
Salary
£38,784 - £41,064
Work arrangement
Full-time
Duration
A start of as soon as possible with an end date of 31 July 2027
Line manager
Professor David Stone
Our website
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/eee
For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor David Stone, Professor in Electrical Engineering on d.a.stone@sheffield.ac.uk.
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in March 2026. This will consist of an interview and a presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage in March 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact eee-operations@sheffield.ac.uk.
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What We Offer
- A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- support for those going through the menopause
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.