Research Fellow - School of Engineering - 107552 - Grade 7 in Birmingham

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is £37,494

Grade: 7

Full time, fixed term contract up to August 2027

Closing date: 5th July 2026

Background

The primary purpose of this role is to undertake independent research and innovation in power electronics, including the design, execution, and dissemination of original research outputs. The post-holder will lead and deliver research objectives within the ALL-DC-SHIPS project, including shaping research direction and contributing original ideas. Based in the School of Engineering, the post-holder will contribute to the creation of new knowledge in maritime DC power systems by ideating, designing, and testing new power converters and control with simulations and experimental prototypes.

Summary of Role

• Work within the specified research project: ALL-DC-SHIPS.
• Design and develop experimental prototypes of power converters for research projects.
• Design and develop control systems of power converters on microcontrollers.
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results.
• Contribute to generating funding.
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar.

Main Duties / Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver research objectives for the ALL-DC-SHIPS project.
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding.
• Analyse and interpret data.
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding.
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc.
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods.
• Undertake management/administration arising from research.
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration.
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, in collaboration with project leadership and partners.
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews.
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
• Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering and a PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience) is essential.
• High level analytical capability.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Fluency in power electronics simulation models, techniques and methods and ability to contribute to developing new experimental prototypes of power converters.
• Fluency in programming microcontrollers for use with power converters.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project.
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

Informal enquiries to Laura Myatt l.myatt@bham.ac.uk.

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.