Research Associate - #65693

18537BR

Cardiff School of Engineering

Research

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Research Associate in AI-Powered Optimisation of Power Electronics Converters

Cardiff School of Engineering

The Centre for Integrated Renewable Energy Generation and Supply (CIREGS), one of the research groups within Cardiff School of Engineering, is looking to recruit a Research Associate in Artificial intelligence (AI) powered design optimisation for power electronics converters. This exciting project is sponsored by the Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult, the UK’s authority on compound semiconductor applications and commercialisation. Together, we are dedicated to pioneering research and development in power electronics and artificial intelligence, aiming to address the most pressing challenges in power electronics today.

This 24-month Multidisciplinary And Collaborative Project Allows a Successful Candidate To Focus On Automated Design Optimisation Of Power Electronics Converters By Utilising AI-assisted Tools And Methodologies. The Goals Of The Project Are To Accomplish The Following Tasks Using AI Technologies:

• identify and develop suitable AI algorithms that suit power electronics applications;
• maximise the potential of compound semiconductors in power electronics;
• automate the design and virtual validation process – virtual prototyping;
• optimise the balance of efficiency, weight, size, and cost as per application requirements.
  
  

The candidate will be able to work closely with CSA Catapult and develop industry experience and commercial-relevant skills. This is a great chance to manage a challenging and real-world project that is supported by a leading industry partner. The Associate will be responsible for research dissemination at conferences and through publications in journal papers.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week), immediately available and is fixed-term until 31 March 2026.

Salary: £39,347 - £44,263 per annum (Grade 6). We do not anticipate appointing this position above the starting point of Grade 6.32 salary, £39,347 per annum.

Job ref: 18537BR

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Dr Wenlong Ming at [email protected]

For further details about working at Cardiff School of Engineering please contact Chiara Riolo at [email protected]

Date advert posted: Wednesday, 1 May 2024

Closing date: Wednesday, 29 May 2024

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

The School of Engineering holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. Cardiff University is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. For this vacancy we actively encourage women to apply. We will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share opportunities.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Job Description

To conduct research within power electronics and computer science and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research

• To conduct research within AI-Powered Optimisation of Power Electronics Converters and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
• To participate in School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects
  
  

Other

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
  
  

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

• Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Experience

• An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:
• AI applications for power electronics or electrical engineering.
• Development of optimal design approaches for power electronics converters.
• Power converter control and modelling
• Optimisation of Converter hardware design and prototyping.
• Characterisation and modelling of power semiconductors.

• Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field
• Proven ability to publish in national/international journals / national/international conferences and other research outputs.
• Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies
• Proven software skills for programming using MATLAB/Simulink and/or Python; simulation and design using LTSpice and/or ANSYS and/or SolidWorks.
  
  

Communication and Team Working

• Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
• Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals
  
  

Other

• Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work
• Proven ability to work without close supervision
  
  

Desirable Criteria

• Relevant professional qualification(s)- N/A
• Evidence of collaborations with industry.
• Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
• Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.
  
  

Additional Information

Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable criteria.

As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance, 18537BR.

Salary Range Min.

39,347

Salary Range Max.

44,263

Job Category

Academic - Research

Grade

Grade 6