Research Fellow in Smart Grids

Summary about this job

Detail information about job Research Fellow in Smart Grids. Terms and conditions vacancy

Department of Electronical and Electronic Engineering
School of Electrical, Mechanical and Infrastructure Engineering
Melbourne School of Engineering

Salary: $69,148* - $93,830 p.a. (*PhD Entry Level A.6 $87,415 p.a) plus 9.5% superannuation

About University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is consistently ranked among the leading universities in the world, at number 1 in Australia and number 32 in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2017-2018). We are globally engaged, comprehensive, research-intensive and committed to respond to the major social, economic and environmental challenges of our time.

About Melbourne School of Engineering (MSE)
MSE is entering an exciting stage as we work towards transforming engineering and IT research and teaching, guided by MSE 2025, our ten-year strategic plans. With an expected investment of $1 billion in people and infrastructure, we are creating the entrepreneurial leaders and technology of the future — the people and things that will drive innovation and productivity to make a sustainable impact on the world in which we live.  MSE continues to attract the best staff and students with a global reputation, and has a commitment to knowledge for the betterment of society. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be joining MSE.

Our strategy is supported by many business functions including our dedicated Department of Electronical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) within the School of Electrical, Mechanical and Infrastructure Engineering that help keep our University moving towards the future and push boundaries.

The Opportunity
EEE is full of thinkers and doers who are looking for their next challenge. We now have a fantastic opportunity and new challenge for a Research Fellow to assist carrying out world-class research in Smart Grids which is critical for the uptake of renewables and the transition to a low-carbon economy, and a key area for Melbourne School of Engineering.

The Role
You will investigate different techniques that can be applied in the short term by Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs), who manage the electricity distribution networks, to assess and increase the ability of distribution circuits to host solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

The development of advanced techniques will also be investigated; mainly as part of the transition towards Distribution System Operators (DSOs) – a futuristic vision already discussed in Europe, USA, and Australia, in which participants (consumers, generators, aggregators) are also managed to guarantee the adequate, cost-effective operation of a renewable-rich electricity system.

As a Research Fellow, you will focus on research and development aspects of future Smart Distribution Networks, including:

• Detailed time-series modelling of the interactions of low-carbon technologies (solar PV systems, energy storage systems, etc.) With unbalanced distribution networks across low and medium voltage levels using the software package openDSS
• Modelling solutions (heuristic and optimal control strategies that can be decentralised, hierarchical, centralised) to mitigate network issues whilst considering customer aspects
• Implementing and assessing the operational performance and benefits of the potential solutions
• Implementing simplified techniques to help DNSPS quickly assess, from a planning perspective, the benefits from the potential solutions
• Investigating the different interactions and requirements from potential solutions and future architectures involving Distribution System Operators (DSOS)
• Support, to a reasonable extent, teaching of Power System-related subjects and the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research students
• Effective liaison with external networks to foster collaborative partnerships
• Present results at local and national forums

Your Profile

• A PhD in an area related to modelling and analysis of electric distribution networks;
• Knowledge in the modelling and analysis of future medium and low voltage distribution networks considering the use of new control strategies and/or technologies in the context of Smart Grids
• Experience using OpenDSS with Python or Matlab
• Experience in realistic modelling of three-phase distribution networks and distributed energy resources
• Demonstrated publication record in high-quality refereed journals, conferences, equivalent textbooks or teaching resources
• High-level written and verbal communication skills and proven ability to establish a good working relationship with colleagues and students, and to develop and maintain strong professional links with relevant industry business, government agencies and professional bodies and the community
• Potential to secure significant nationally-competitive grants and/or other sources of funding for research (desirable)

How to apply
Please refer to the online application form and upload your Cover Letter and Resume.

We ask that you please provide brief statements to the ‘essential’ selection criteria outlined in the position description.

While we take a look at your application, we encourage you to get to know us more through our website http://www.eng.unimelb.edu.au/about/join-mse/why-join-mse and social channels.

Close date: 15 Aug 2018                 

Position Description and Selection Criteria

 0046146.pdf

For information to assist you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria, please go to https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria