At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in optimising microgrids for data centres using innovative AI solutions.
- Company: Cutting-edge research project focused on green AI and sustainable energy.
- Benefits: Gain a PhD, work on impactful projects, and contribute to a greener future.
- Other info: Flexible study options available; full-time or part-time commitment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the energy landscape while advancing your academic career.
- Qualifications: MSc or MEng in Electrical Engineering or related field with a minimum of 60%.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is powerful. But it depends on data centres who shouldn’t be too much power-hungry. Did you know a single large-scale data centre consumes as much energy as 50,000 households? If you think that’s a problem worth solving, we want you for our PhD program. Work at the cutting edge of green AI and help us build a smarter, leaner digital future.
This UPMOST PhD project seeks to develop new unified methodologies and advanced tools to optimise the design and operation of microgrids, specifically tailored to meet the rapidly growing electricity demands of modern data centres.
Background: In support of the UK’s ambitions to advance artificial intelligence (AI), the government plans to deploy an additional 100 data centres, supplementing the existing ~500 facilities nationwide. However, power grid infrastructure development is not keeping pace with this accelerated deployment. According to National Energy System Operator (NESO) Transmission Entry Capacity (TEC) data as of January 2026, around 600 energy projects are seeking grid connections, with 150 still awaiting approval. Compounding this challenge, renewable energy projects often entail protracted timelines, for instance, the Hornsea 2 offshore wind farm required nearly six years from planning consent in 2016 to full commissioning in 2022, and nuclear generation projects typically take even longer. These systemic delays underscore the urgent need for innovative, unified solutions such as those proposed by the UPMOST.
The UPMOST project will focus on two core research themes:
- Unified Approach for Optimising Renewable Energy & Storage Integration with Data Centres: Develop a cohesive framework and software tools for infrastructure planning involving renewables and energy storage. The approach will prioritise minimising the Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) while ensuring data centres’ operations and maximising renewable energy sources’ self-consumption.
- Predictive Control of Microgrid Operation: Design predictive control strategies and data-driven operational frameworks that dynamically coordinate on-site generation and energy storage. By performing scenario-based analysis, the project aims to reduce peak demand by ~30% and identify new opportunities for microgrid design and data centre’s optimal operations.
Eligibility Requirements:
- A minimum of 60% in an MSc or MEng degree (or International equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
- Appropriate English Language qualifications, if required.
- Applicants cannot apply if they are already a PhD holder or if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Durham or elsewhere.
- Must be able to commit to campus-based full-time or part-time study.
- Home fee student (If you are overseas, you are welcome to still apply).
To be classed as a Home student, candidates must:
- Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or have settled status, or have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or have indefinite leave to remain or enter.
If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student.
Modes of study: Full time or Part Time at 0.6 Full Time Equivalent at Durham.
PhD: Green AI Microgrid Optimisation for Data Centres employer: Nuclearinst
At Babcock, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Hawthorn, Corsham, where innovation meets collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our generous benefits package, including a matched contribution pension scheme, professional development opportunities, and initiatives like Be Kind Day for volunteering. Join us to be part of a supportive culture that values diversity and encourages flexible working arrangements, ensuring you can thrive both personally and professionally.
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We think this is how you could land PhD: Green AI Microgrid Optimisation for Data Centres
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We think you need these skills to ace PhD: Green AI Microgrid Optimisation for Data Centres
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Stand Out with Relevant Courses and Certifications:Although experience talks, relevant courses or certifications can be your ticket to impressing hiring managers at Nuclearinst. Mention any standout courses you've completed that equipped you with essential skills, such as machine learning certifications or data visualisation courses. This shows your commitment to continuously developing your skills in the field!
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✨Brush Up on Your Statistics
For a data science role, we need to seriously sharpen our statistics skills. Get ready to tackle technical questions on probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. These are often the bread and butter of data science interviews, so don't just skim over them!
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Expect to encounter real-world case studies during the interview. We might be asked how we’d approach a data problem or analyse a dataset to extract insights. It's essential to think out loud and demonstrate our problem-solving process so that the interviewer can see our logical thinking in action.
