At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct innovative research on voltage control strategies for modern power grids.
- Company: Join the prestigious Imperial College London, renowned for engineering excellence.
- Benefits: Receive a tax-free stipend of £23,805 per year and coverage for overseas tuition fees.
- Other info: Opportunity for hands-on experience with GE Vernova and excellent career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in energy stability while collaborating with top researchers and industry leaders.
- Qualifications: Must have a first-class Master’s degree and a strong grasp of power systems.
The predicted salary is between 23805 - 23805 £ per year.
Applications are invited for a PhD studentship, to be undertaken at Imperial College London (Control and Power Research Group, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering) under the co-supervision of Professors Balarko Chaudhuri and Mark O’Malley.
Summary Of Project
This PhD project will develop and validate fast, zonal voltage control strategies for power grids with high penetrations of inverter-based resources (IBRs). The research will focus on grid segmentation methods, coordinated voltage control across zones and scalable architectures that enhance voltage stability. The work involves dynamic modelling, advanced control design, simulation, and validation on benchmark power systems. An optional research secondment with GE Vernova will provide opportunities to gain hands‑on experience with state‑of‑the‑art.
The successful applicant will work in the Control and Power Group at Imperial College London. They will join a team of around 12-15 researchers working in the area of stability and control of power grids with high shares of IBRs.
Funding
The PhD studentship is funded by the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) and includes a stipend of approximately £23,805 per year (tax‑free) for 3.5 years and overseas tuition fees.
Duties And Responsibilities
The responsibilities include defining, with support from the supervisor, the research questions, creating and managing a plan for the PhD, reviewing the relevant literature, conducting independent research, reporting progress, disseminating results in high‑impact refereed journals and conferences. The successful candidate will be based at Imperial, but they might have to do a research secondment at GE Vernova.
Essential Requirements
Applicants should have a first‑class Master’s degree (or other equivalent experience). The successful candidate will have an excellent understanding in power system dynamics, power electronics and control. Experience in working with power systems dynamic simulation will be helpful, but not necessary to apply for the position.
Closing Date
14 August 2026
PhD Studentship in Fast Zonal Control for Voltage Stability employer: Emerging Scholars Council
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to research excellence and professional development, employees benefit from access to cutting-edge resources and opportunities for growth in the field of implementation science. Located in a dynamic city known for its rich cultural heritage and supportive community, Newcastle University provides a unique setting for meaningful and impactful work.
