Research Fellow, Engineering

Abdn; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious research university in Scotland is seeking a Research Fellow in Engineering for the EU Project MISSION. This role involves working on innovative DC Circuit Breaker demonstrators. The successful candidate will have a PhD in Electrical/Electronic Engineering and contribute to significant advancements in power electronics. Salary ranges from £38,249 to £40,497 annually based on qualifications. The position offers a dynamic research environment and collaboration opportunities in the industry.

Qualifications

• PhD degree (or nearing completion) in Electrical/Electronic Engineering.
• Ideally some research experience in related projects.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the development of next-generation DC Circuit Breakers.
• Contribute to research projects in collaboration with industry and academia.

Skills

Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Research experience

Education

PhD degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Job description

Research Fellow, Engineering (ENG219RXS)

Job Description

EU Project MISSION (2024-2027) builds 3 next-generation SF6-free switchgear demonstrators, including a 12 kV Medium Voltage DC Circuit Breaker https://euprojectmission.net/ . The consortium is led by SINTEF and involves 12 partners: 2 manufacturers, 4 grid operators, 5 research centres including 2 universities, and a superconducting DC system developer.

EU Project MoWiLIfe project (2024-2027) builds 4 demonstrators utilising latest SiC MOSFET devices, including a 5 kV Medium Voltage DC Circuit Breaker https://www.mowilife.eu/ . The consortium is led by Rostock University and involves 9 partners: 1 manufacturer, 1 technology user, 2 technology developers, and 5 EU Universities.

DC Circuit Breakers will be key and ubiquitous component in DC transmission and distribution systems. They are substantially different from conventional AC Circuit Breakers, and there are only few commercialised technologies worldwide. In general DC CBs are required to operate in very short time (2-5 ms), they commonly include fast mechanical switchgear and some power electronics components and are also much more complex than AC CBs. The above projects make substantial DC CB technology advances in terms of performance, size, costs and losees.

The Aberdeen HVDC Research Centre has around 10 members and considerable expertise in the area of HVDC, DC grids and power electronics. We have significant externally-funded research program and collaborative links with many major industry and academic players in Power industry. The research fellow/assistant will benefit from expert support within the group and association with School/University with strong research facilities and research excellence.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD degree (or nearing completion) in Electrical/Electronic Engineering and idelaly laboratory some research experience.

Salary will be at the appropriate point of Grade 6 salary scale (£38,249 to £40,497 per annum) and negotiable with placement according to qualifications and experience.

The post is available immeditaley and will last for 16 months, or until 31 December 2027 (whichever comes first).

Should you require a visa to undertake employment in the UK you will be required to fulfil the minimum points criteria to be granted a Certificate of Sponsorship under the requirements of the Skilled Worker visa. At the time an offer of appointment is made, you will be asked to demonstrate that you fulfil the criteria in respect of qualification and competency in English. For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. Please do not hesitate to contact Lucy Redmayne (e-mail: [e-mail] ) for further information.

The School of Engineering embraces a diverse working environment and recognises the many benefits this can bring. Applications from individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics are encouraged.

To apply online for this position visit www.abdn.ac.uk/jobs

Job Reference Number: ENG219RXS

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 05 January 2026

Please Note

If you are unable to complete an application online, please contact the Recruitment Team ([e-mail] ) to make alternative arrangements for submitting your application within plenty of time before the advertised post closes.