Research Fellow in Operational Research

This project is a collaborative work between three departments of the University of Southampton (Mathematical Sciences, Electronics and Computer Science, and the Business School) and the National Grid. National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) owns the electricity transmission network in a large part of the UK. Part of their business process is to manage a power-flow system by determining the best way for power to be transmitted through a capacitated network from generators to users. Moreover, the network needs to be robust so that power supply can be maintained in the case of a failure in part of the network.

The Research Fellow appointed to the post will be responsible for developing algorithms and optimisation techniques to quantify the financial benefits for the NGET of adopting updated transformer ratings which, while allowing for higher current in the grid (thus providing extra degrees of freedom for power dispatch), would lead to a faster ageing of the assets. The solutions produced should be effective across a range of scenarios that may arise.

This is a full time fixed term post until 30/06/2021 and the successful applicant must have a PhD or equivalent professional qualifications and experience in Operational Research or other closely related quantitative subjects.

The Research Fellow will be a member of the Centre for Operational Research, Management Science and Information Systems (CORMSIS), one of the largest and strongest groups of OR/MS researchers in Europe. Its Statistics and Operational Research ranks among the top 40 in the world and among the top 10 in the UK (QS subject rank 2020). The centre has many contacts with industry as well an extensive academic network, and has a strong track record of published research work.

Applications will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon completion of PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.