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- Tasks: Develop innovative algorithms for predicting energy system failures and collaborate with top researchers.
- Company: Join the University of Exeter, a leading institution in research and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, state-of-the-art facilities, and international training opportunities.
- Other info: Experience a supportive environment with excellent career growth and collaboration across Europe.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of energy management systems while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Must have a relevant degree and strong analytical skills; passion for AI and energy systems is key.
The predicted salary is between 33951 - 41941 £ per year.
FTE: 1.0 Term: Fixed for 36 months Start date: Between 1 June 2026 and 1 December 2026. The University of Exeter is recruiting a Graduate Research Assistant (PhD studentship) as part of the SAILING Doctoral Network, an EU-funded Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) programme (101227573). SAILING will train 12 next generation researchers to advance intelligent, automated and secure energy management systems for the Internet of Energy (IoE), working across digital twins, secure AI, energy optimisation, and fault detection. The network offers high quality training, international mobility, and collaboration across leading academic and industrial partners in Europe.
This specific Doctoral Graduate Researcher Assistant will develop a system-level cascading failure prediction approach for IoE. The key objectives are to develop an enhanced failure feature extraction approach, an agile cascading failure prediction algorithm, and a multi-scale deep learning model for temporal correlation modelling at multiple timescales. The post will include 2 separate secondments, about 3-months duration each, to other EU and Associated Country partners of the SAILING Doctoral Network for training and collaboration purposes.
About You
- You will be able to present research progress, communicate complex information clearly, and contribute to external funding proposals.
- Applicants must hold a first degree (or equivalent) in a relevant area, such as Computer Science, Communication Engineering, Electrical/Power Engineering, Energy Systems, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Cybersecurity or Artificial Intelligence.
- Demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical skills and an ability to learn new methods quickly.
- Show interest in Computer Science/Internet-of-Energy/Cybersecurity/Artificial Intelligence and their data, modelling, and operational challenges.
- Develop and evaluate algorithmic solutions (e.g., machine learning, optimisation, statistical modelling, distributed systems), depending on project direction.
- Implement research prototypes and run reproducible experiments using programming and tooling.
- Work with datasets, including data preparation, experimental design, benchmarking, and reporting of results.
- Collaborate effectively with supervisors and partners, including contributing to network-wide training, secondments, and dissemination.
Please ensure you read the full Job Description and Person Specification for eligibility criteria.
What We Can Offer You
- A full employment contract for three years.
- Competitive MSCA-aligned salary plus allowances (values depend on exchange rate).
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert supervision.
- International secondments, training events and collaboration with 11 fellow doctoral researchers.
- A supportive research environment on a beautiful Devon campus.
About the University of Exeter
The University of Exeter is an equal opportunity employer. We are officially recognised as a Disability Confident employer and an Athena Swan accredited institution. We particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.
The starting salary will be from £33,951 on Grade E, depending on qualifications and experience.
Doctoral Graduate Research Assistant (PhD studentship) in accurate and proactive system-level c[...] employer: University of Exeter
Contact Detail:
University of Exeter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Doctoral Graduate Research Assistant (PhD studentship) in accurate and proactive system-level c[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former PhD students in the SAILING Doctoral Network. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on your research skills. Be ready to discuss your previous projects and how they relate to cascading failure prediction. Show us your passion for the Internet of Energy!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! Follow the University of Exeter on social media, attend their webinars, and participate in discussions. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your quantitative and analytical skills, as well as your interest in AI and energy systems. We want to see what makes you unique!
We think you need these skills to ace Doctoral Graduate Research Assistant (PhD studentship) in accurate and proactive system-level c[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start writing your application, make sure to read the job description carefully. It’s packed with information about what we’re looking for, and tailoring your application to match those requirements can really make you stand out.
Showcase Your Relevant Skills: When you’re writing your application, highlight your skills that are relevant to the role. Whether it’s your experience in data science or your knowledge of AI, make sure to connect your background to the key objectives of the position.
Be Clear and Concise: We love a well-structured application! Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your passion for the field shines through without overwhelming us with too much information.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the application process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Exeter
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of your research area, especially around cascading failure prediction and the Internet of Energy. Be ready to discuss your previous projects and how they relate to the objectives of the SAILING Doctoral Network.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your quantitative and analytical skills. Bring examples of algorithmic solutions you've developed or worked on, particularly in machine learning or optimisation, and be ready to explain your thought process behind them.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex concepts in a straightforward manner. You’ll need to show that you can communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences, so think about how you would present your research progress to different stakeholders.
✨Be Collaborative
Highlight your experience working in teams and collaborating with supervisors or partners. Discuss any past experiences where you contributed to training or dissemination efforts, as this will show you’re a team player who can thrive in the collaborative environment of the SAILING network.