Research Assistant - NNZA IMPACTS
| Posting date: | 22 July 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £30,805 to £40,497 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 21 August 2025 |
| Location: | Durham, County Durham, DH1 3LE |
| Company: | Durham University |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | 25000980_1753193624 |
Summary
The Role
We are seeking a highly motivated researcher - either a Grade 7 PhD holder, or a Grade 6 graduate - to join the IMPACTS project, funded by the Northern Net Zero Accelerator. The project addresses the growing energy demands of AI-driven datacentres by developing an intelligent platform for the design and optimisation of resilient, low-carbon microgrids. The role involves applying advanced optimisation techniques and AI-based models to support decision-making in microgrid design and operation.
Working in collaboration with a leading global mission critical firm of engineers, this project offers the opportunity to deliver tangible impact by integrating academic innovation with industrial challenges.
This is an exciting opportunity for a researcher with expertise in power systems, optimisation, or AI applications in energy, to contribute to a high-impact project with strong potential for commercialisation.
In both cases, the post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.
This post is fixed term for 6 months as the project is time and funding limited.
Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1st September 2025.
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