Research Fellow in Railway Microgrids

Are you a researcher looking for your first challenge? Do you have a background in smart grid operation and control? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities?

Overview of the Role

As a Research Fellow in Railway Microgrid Control, you will join an exciting consortium to accelerate the journey to transport decarbonisation by developing energy hubs and networked energy hubs for, potentially, as many as over 2,500 railway stations and depots across the UK. You will be improving efficiency and supporting transport electrification with railway microgrids and networked railway microgrids, while offering greater flexibility to support both transport and grid operation. The project will explore the commercial opportunities to adopt and scale up energy hubs and networked energy hubs to deliver creative, predictable, and cost-effective use of electric power on the transport while offering flexibility services to the power grid. 

This role will be based at the university of Leeds campus and there is scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Professor Kang Li, Chair in Smart Energy Systems

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 2045

Email: K.Li1@leeds.ac.uk

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information, please visit the Government’s Skilled Worker visa page.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information, please visit the Government’s page, Apply for the Global Talent visa.

What we offer in return

26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!Generous pension scheme plus life assurance – the University contributes 14.5% of salary. Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!  

Closing Date: 21 Aug 2025

Section: Research

Salary: £39,355 to £46,735 p.a.