Research Assistant/Associate in Power Electronic Converters

Contract: Fixed term until 31st January 2024

Salary:

Grade 6: £27,116 - £31,406 per annum
Grade 7: £32,244 - £40,927 per annum

This project aims to demonstrate a new MMC design for next generation larger sized wind turbine, under the Wind Offshore Powertrain Research Hub which forms the strategic partnership between the innovation and research center Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (OREC) and the University of Sheffield. The research builds up on the existing work at the University of Sheffield and OREC and proposes a new MMC design optimised for use in the wind turbine.This includes development of new converter topologies and associated controls to reduce the size of the MMC while achieving high quality AC voltage waveforms for voltage levels below 100kV, allowing the many benefits of the MMC to be realized at lower voltages. An essentially multi-physics approach will be adopted in the design optimization and optimised design(s) taking into consideration of electric, electromagnetic and thermal aspects will be developed. This job role will include specification of the MMC components and design, optimised for the proposed control philosophy, as well as simulation validation of the MMC for realistic wind turbine operation, and experimental validation of the MMC control on the laboratory prototype at the University of Sheffield.

The post provides an ideal opportunity to undertake high quality research and development within an industrial context, and the applicant will be encouraged and supported to attend international conferences and publish articles in learned society journals. Furthermore, the candidate (without a PhD degree) will be encouraged to enroll in a PhD course at the University of Sheffield on a part-time base. Staff candidates undertaking a research degree are automatically exempt from the payment of tuition fees while holding an appointment at the University.

The Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering (EEE) is respected internationally for its many important contributions in the field of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and is also home to the UK’s EPSRC National Centre for III-V Technologies. The Department currently has 46 academic staff including 22 Professors and a number of other teaching, research and support staff. We have a community of approximately 800 students comprised of undergraduate, postgraduate taught and research students. The Department's teaching is underpinned by research at the leading edge. The world-class laboratories are available to undergraduates and postgraduates, including major facilities for the development of advanced semiconductor materials and devices as well as their applications. The Department is organised into three research areas: Semiconductor Materials and Devices, Electrical Machines and Drives, and Communications. For further information about the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering go to: www.shef.ac.uk/eee .

For informal enquiries about this job and the recruiting department contact Dr. Milijana Odavic on [email protected] .

We’re one of the best not-for-profit organisations to work for in the UK. The University’s Total Reward Package includes a competitive salary, a generous Pension Scheme and annual leave entitlement, as well as access to a range of learning and development courses to support your personal and professional development.