Research Fellow

About the Role

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Prof. Xiaowei Zhao at Xiaowei.zhao@warwick.ac.uk.

Two full-time fixed term Research Fellow posts are available until 30 November 2027. Extension may be possible subject to funding. 

We are seeking two highly motivated and talented researchers to join a world-leading research group addressing emerging challenges in wind energy and power systems. 

We welcome applications from talented researchers with a strong background (PHD and research track record) in any of the following areas:

• Modelling or control of wind energy or power systems,
• Artificial intelligence applied to energy systems,
• Or hardware implementation, including embedded programming, for energy and control applications.

You are not expected to cover all these areas.

You will carry out independent and collaborative research, contribute to the writing of high-quality publications and support the effective operation of the research project and lab.  This may include assisting with project-related administrative tasks and ensuring that project deliverables and deadlines are met.

You will be based in the Intelligent Control and Smart Energy Research Group, which hosts four state-of-the-art laboratories: 

1. The Offshore Renewable Energy Lab
2. The Renewable Energy Integration and Smart Grid Lab
3. The Hydrogen Technology Lab
4. Autonomous Systems Lab

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description (link here).

About You

The successful candidate will hold a PhD (or nearing completion) in control engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, artificial intelligence/machine learning and wind energy. They will demonstrate either a strong research track record or clear potential in one of the following areas:

• Modelling
• Control and optimization of wind energy
• Power systems
• AI for energy
• Hardware implementation for energy
• Control applications

The post holder must have a proven research profile demonstrated by a high quality publications record or equivalent output, and be able to contribute to the development of funding proposals.

Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are necessary, as well as excellent interpersonal skills to work independently or as part of a team, and proven leadership in team management is expected. Effective time management, organisational abilities, and experience in project planning are important for success in the role.

Proficiency in IT, including the ability to use technology for writing technical research papers and presentations is required.#

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum). Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).

About the Department

The post will be based within the School of Engineering at the University of Warwick, which is one of the leading unified Engineering schools in the UK.

We offer competitive salaries on a grading structure that provides annual incremental progression, plus a generous annual leave entitlement (30 days per annum for this role, plus four customary shut down days over Christmas, and eight statutory bank holidays).  As well as competitive salaries we offer attractive pension schemes with excellent employer contributions, and various staff recognition awards. We are also committed to helping you to fulfil your potential through a range of career development opportunities.

The School of Engineering is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises work undertaken to address gender equality, representation and progression for all staff working in an academic environment. The School currently holds the Athena SWAN Gold award and the University holds an Institutional Silver award. Further information about the work of the School in relation to Athena SWAN can be found at the following link; Athena SWAN - School of Engineering - University of Warwick

How to Apply

To apply please complete your essential personal details and attach a CV and cover letter by the closing date stated.

We will review applications throughout the advertising period and may contact shortlisted candidates before the closing date. We therefore encourage interested applicants to submit their application as early as possible. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications.

Applicants must include both a curriculum vitae (including a publications list) with no page limit, and a statement of no more than four pages of how they meet the person specification for the post. 

Applicants should not upload additional documents (e.g. theses, research papers, certificates).

We recommend that you illustrate how you meet all essential criteria in the supporting statement. Using individual essential criteria as headings is advisable. Please note that ALL essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview.  Please do not attach any additional document in your applications other than the required ones.