This position is for research within the high voltage laboratory in the EEE department at the University of Manchester. The project was funded by National Grid Electricity Transmission to design the future Ultra High Voltage transmission lines with increased transmission capacity, providing environmental and financial benefits towards the UK Net-zero Target.

Overall Purpose of the Job

The Research Associate will be responsible for executing a multi-stage project aimed at assessing the feasibility, designing, and developing compact HVDC and HVAC OHL towers. The role involves conducting feasibility studies, literature reviews, design development, and compiling comprehensive reports.

The project involves several key stages and activities. Initially, a feasibility study will be conducted to explore the design of a bipolar HVDC tower and evaluate the potential for converting existing towers to HVDC. This includes investigating compaction techniques to enhance voltage levels for current designs and performing preliminary studies on audible noise using various conductor systems and spacing configurations. A comprehensive literature review will be conducted on existing and new OHL designs, technologies, and maintenance practices, assessing the adequacy of current testing standards and practices. International installations and challenges related to compact OHL designs will also be reviewed. Specifications for a compact EHV bipolar DC OHL tower design will be developed, followed by insulation coordination studies and EMF/environmental impact assessments. The outcome will be a draft report with comparative studies of HVDC designs at different voltage levels. Additionally, the project will design a twin circuit HVAC tower operating up to 765kV, conduct insulation coordination and EMF/environmental studies for selected designs and span lengths, and perform noise measurements on conductor samples under various conditions. The final phase will involve compiling the final project report and dissemination documentation, recommending future work for the deployment of compact tower designs, and suggesting improvements for maintenance and testing practices. The deliverables will include a draft report on HVDC designs and a final project report with recommendations for future work.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working - you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk .

Any CV's submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Konstantinos Kopsidas and Steven Li

Email: K.Kopsidas@manchester.ac.uk and qi.li@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.