[PRIVATE LINK] Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Researcher x3 (Wind Energy, Power Systems, Artificial Intelligence for Energy Systems) (111530-0426)

Informal Queries

• For informal queries about the role, please contact Professor Xiaowei Zhao at Xiaowei.zhao@warwick.ac.uk

3 x full time (36.5 hrs/week) Fixed Term positions for 36 months (3 years) each. Starting the 1 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter (preferably no later than 1 February 2027).”

Salary for this position will vary depending on entitlement of family allowance and enrolment in the pension scheme. The mobility allowance is automatically included as part of the salary which currently is £493.91 per month.

The School of Engineering is looking to appoint three full-time Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Researchers. Two posts will focus on modelling, stability, and control of grid-forming technologies in wind power systems, while a third post will focus on AI-based energy management for wind farm–hydrogen hybrid systems.  The post holders will have the opportunity to undertake secondments with industry partners. 

The posts are funded by the MSCA Doctoral Network project WindConnect. The WindConnect project (Wind Farm Control and Integration in Sector-Coupled Power Systems), led by the University of Warwick, aims to train the next generation of researchers to address key challenges in integrating large-scale wind energy into modern power systems.

The programme focuses on grid-forming technologies, AI-driven optimisation, and the integration of wind power and green hydrogen within sector-coupled energy systems. The consortium brings together 15 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Researchers across 8 leading academic institutions in 6 European countries, supported by 12 major industrial partners including Vestas, Ørsted, GE, 50Hertz, NESO, and SSE. Through a combination of cutting-edge research and comprehensive technical, entrepreneurial, and transferable skills training, WindConnect equips researchers to drive innovation and support Europe’s transition to a sustainable, decarbonised energy system.

It is essential that you have a good honours degree in the fields of Control Engineering, Machine Learning, Data science, Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.

You will have a developing research profile with the ability to publish high quality research output. You will have excellent IT skills including demonstrable ability to use IT to write technical research papers and presentations. You are also required to be an excellent communicator with strong communication skills and be able to evidence excellent interpersonal skills with relevant experience of working independently and as part of a team.

The successful candidate will have strong experience and/or knowledge in at least one of the following areas: control systems, data science, machine learning, renewable energy, and power systems.

You will be required to meet Marie Curie Researcher eligibility criteria. As a condition of the project at the time of recruitment the researcher shall NOT have resided or carried out their main activity in the UK for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment under the project, and you must not have been awarded a doctoral degree. Applicants must be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research career and you will be registered, or demonstrate a willingness to register, for a PhD degree at the University of Warwick.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

This post is based in the School of Engineering at the University of Warwick, within the Intelligent Control and Smart Energy Research Group, which has state-of-the-art research and experimental facilities.

The School of Engineering is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises work undertaken to address gender equality, representation and progression for all staff working in an academic environment. The School currently holds the Athena SWAN Gold award and the University holds an Institutional Silver award. Further information about the work of the School in relation to Athena SWAN can be found at the following link; Athena SWAN - School of Engineering - University of Warwick

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**

Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.

* World University Ranking 2026, Complete University Guide 2026

** Research Excellence Framework 2021

CLOSING DEADLINE: Thursday 11th June 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)*

To apply, please click APPLY below and submit your application by the closing deadline. 

You will be asked to include a CV and cover letter. Within these documents, please:

1. Outline your employment and education history (including your most recent employment).

2. Outline the reasons for your interest in this position.

3. Demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the role with clear reference to each of the essential and desirable criteria in the Job Description (PDF attached below).

• Interview Date: TBC
• Start Date: 1 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter (preferably no later than 1 February 2027)

Applications must be submitted by the closing deadline. You will not be able to submit an application form even if you opened it before the stated deadline. Only applications submitted through our Careers Portal will be considered. You are welcome to include any careers breaks you may have taken (e.g. parental/caring/long-term sick leave).

Please note that if you do not evidence the essential criteria, the hiring panel may not be able to shortlist your application. For guidance on how to format a cover letter, see here.

* PRIVATE LINK

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.