The University of Manchester, United Kingdom, is inviting applications for a fully funded 3.5-year PhD studentship in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, focusing on the development of reliable protection methods for inverter-dominated power networks. The project is part of the Power and Energy Systems research theme and involves power system modeling, protection algorithm development, real-time simulation, and hardware-in-the-loop testing. Applications are open to candidates eligible for UK Home tuition fee status, with funding covering tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend.
Important Dates / Deadline
- Application Deadline: November 30, 2026
- Program Start: January 2027
- Funding Duration: 3.5 years
Applicants are encouraged to apply early because the advertisement may be removed before the stated deadline.
Organization
- University: The University of Manchester
- Department: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Research Group: Power Systems Group
- Research Theme: Power and Energy Systems
- Program: PhD Studentship in Source-Independent Protection for Inverter-Dominated Power Networks
- Main Supervisor: Dr. Di Liu
Location / Study Destination
Manchester, United Kingdom. The studentship is a full-time PhD research opportunity within the Power Systems Group at the University of Manchester, with access to real-time simulation and power system protection testing facilities.
Who Can Apply
- Applicants eligible for UK Home tuition fee status.
- Candidates holding or expecting to obtain a First Class or Upper Second Class (2:1) UK Honors degree, or an international equivalent.
- Graduates in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Power Systems, Power Electronics, Control Engineering, or closely related disciplines.
- Candidates with a relevant master’s degree, although this is desirable rather than essential.
- Applicants with experience in power systems, power electronics, control, electromagnetic transient simulation, or power system protection are particularly encouraged to apply.
Funding eligibility is restricted to applicants who qualify for Home tuition fee status.
Key Benefits / Funding
The studentship provides full funding for 3.5 years, including:
- Annual Stipend: £21,805, paid tax-free at the stated UKRI rate.
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage of UK Home tuition fees.
- Stipend Increases: The annual stipend is expected to increase each year.
- Research Facilities: Access to real-time digital simulation and advanced power system protection testing facilities.
- Specialized Training: Training in power system protection, inverter-based resources, and advanced simulation techniques.
- Research Dissemination: Opportunities to publish research in leading academic journals and present findings at international conferences.
- Professional Engagement: Opportunities to engage with professional organizations such as IEEE, IET, and CIGRE.
Main Requirements
Applicants must meet the academic qualification requirements and demonstrate an interest in power system protection and inverter-dominated electrical networks.
The successful candidate will undertake research involving:
- Power System Modeling: Develop models of electrical networks containing synchronous generators and inverter-based resources (IBRs), including renewable energy, HVDC systems, and battery energy storage.
- Inverter-Based Resource Analysis: Investigate how converter control strategies and limited fault-current contributions influence fault behavior and protection performance.
- Protection Algorithm Development: Design protection methods that remain reliable regardless of generation technology or converter control strategy.
- Electromagnetic Transient Simulation: Analyze power network fault conditions and protection responses using appropriate simulation techniques.
- Laboratory Prototyping: Develop and test prototype protection algorithms in laboratory environments.
- Real-Time Validation: Evaluate proposed protection methods through real-time simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing using Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) technology.
The research aims to improve the reliability of power network protection as renewable energy and converter-connected technologies become increasingly integrated into electrical grids.
How to Apply
- Confirm that you meet the academic entry requirements and qualify for UK Home tuition fee status.
- Prepare an updated CV highlighting your academic qualifications, technical skills, and relevant research or engineering experience.
- Prepare your academic transcripts.
- Write a short paragraph explaining your motivation for the project and your interest in power system protection.
- Email the required documents and motivation paragraph directly to the main supervisor, Dr. Di Liu.
- Submit your application before November 30, 2026. Early applications are recommended.
Main Supervisor Contact:
Dr. Di Liu Email: d.liu@manchester.ac.uk
Documents Needed
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include relevant academic qualifications, technical competencies, and research or professional experience.
- Academic Transcripts: Provide records of academic qualifications and performance.
- Motivation Paragraph: A short explanation of your interest in the project and reasons for applying.
Important Notes
- The studentship is available only to candidates eligible for UK Home tuition fees.
- A relevant master’s degree is desirable but not mandatory.
- Prior experience in power systems, power electronics, control engineering, electromagnetic transient simulation, or protection engineering is advantageous.
- The successful candidate will join the University of Manchester’s Power Systems Group.
- The project includes laboratory-based research, simulation, and hardware-in-the-loop validation.
- The funding announcement lists an annual stipend of £21,805 and indicates that the amount is expected to increase each year.
- The advertisement may be removed before the application deadline, so early submission is recommended.