PRR Project

Summary

Job DescriptionThe prospective employee will lead and participate in innovative research and development projects within the field of Project and Management of Electrical Installations. Responsibilities will include the design, analysis, and implementation of electrical installations, aligned with the digital transformation of the electricity sector required by a large presence of small solar PV generation facilities, dispersed storage, and massive integration of new loads like electric vehicles charging systems, flexible industrial loads and tackling also with renewable energy communities. This requires addressing the development of “smart” power substations related with improved engineering operations, high reliability, safety, and low maintenance costs, and serving as facilitators for the provision of flexibility ancillary services. The role involves collaboration with academic and industry partners as well as final end consumers, at national and international levels, leading to solutions that enhance the performance, reliability and scalability of the electrical grid and electrical user facilities. Additionally, the prospective employee will contribute to the teaching and supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students within the power and energy scientific area, fostering the next generation of power engineers. Scientific ProfileThe prospective employee must possess a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (Power and Energy Systems), or a closely related field, with a strong focus on the design and operation of electrical grids and electrical installations. A publication record in top-tier journals and conferences in the field is also required. The prospective employee should demonstrate expertise in one or more of the following areas: planning and operation simulation of electrical distribution grids, design of electrical generation facilities and electrical user installations, reliability of substations and electrical grids, grid integration of electric vehicles, grid integration of renewable energy sources, renewable energy communities, management of flexibility ancillary services for new electricity ancillary services markets. Experience with grant writing, research and developments projects, project management, and the ability to secure research funding is highly desirable. RationaleThe power and energy systems is facing large challenges as a result of the large deployment of variable renewable energy generation sources together with the massive electrification of the economy, involving the deployment of new loads like heat pumps, electric vehicle charging systems, and new industrial loads like electrolysers. New concepts such as renewable energy communities are also popping up in distribution and consumer communities. This requires innovative approaches related to the planning and design of electrical installation facilities in order to accommodate, in the most efficient and reliable manner, these changes. Hiring a candidate with a strong scientific profile in project, design and management of electrical installations and grids will enable our university to remain at the forefront of power and energy systems research and education area. This addition to our staff will not only enhance our research capabilities but also enrich our faculty staff, preparing students to excel in a highly competitive and changing technological landscape. Furthermore, the ability to collaborate effectively with industry partners and end-users will bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications, fostering innovation, technological advancement, and societal and economic impact. The proposed position is therefore essential for maintaining the institution´s reputation as a leader in power and energy systems education and research, contributing significantly to the development of cutting-edge technologies that address the challenges of the electrical grids of the future.