Join the Team
Available Positions
Position 1:
PhD in Stability Analysis of Power Electronics Defined Power Systems
We are inviting applications for a fully-funded PhD position in Power Electronics Converter Stability at UNSW, Sydney. This project will focus on expanding tools for stability analysis of power electronics in power systems. The successful candidate should have a strong theoretical background in power electronics converters, including control, topologies and small-signal modelling. As part of the project, there will be opportunities for collaboration with the research team in areas like control and power hardware-in-the-loop testing (CHiL / PHiL) and advanced digital twin technologies.
The project will investigate the dynamic interactions between power systems and grid-forming power electronics converters, under evolving modern power systems with reduced synchronous generation. The project will also consider the different dynamics of renewable energy resources and energy storage systems as well as hybrid DC and AC systems. Additionally, stability enhancement solutions involving grid support control technologies will be investigated, which are particularly critical for weak, low inertia power electronics defined power systems.
Requirements:
Required:
Master's by research (Completed or in the final year)
Strong publication track record in related areas relative to opportunity.
A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (UG marks >80%)
Meeting the English requirements for admission to the PhD program (https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements)
Good to have:
Experimental experience with power electronics (laboratory or industry)
Familiarity with real-time simulation / HiL
How to Apply:
Please e-mail the following to g.konstantinou@unsw.edu.au with the title "FF PhD scholarship application":
CV: A comprehensive academic CV that includes details of your educational background, research experience, publications, awards, and relevant work experience.
Relevant Publications: Copies of peer-reviewed publications relevant to the topic. This may include journal articles, conference papers, or other scholarly outputs demonstrating your research expertise.
UG and PG Degrees and Transcripts: Official transcripts of your undergraduate and postgraduate coursework. These should include detailed grades and confirmation of degree completions.
Cover Letter: A one-page cover letter outlining your experience relevant to the project topic, particularly emphasizing any experimental work, power electronics expertise, and prior research contributions.
Position 3
PhD in Distributed Energy Resources and Weak Grid Dynamics
We are inviting applications for a fully-funded PhD position in Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and Weak Grid Dynamics at UNSW, Sydney. This research will contribute to improving the understanding and optimization of weak power grids with significant DER integration. The candidate will focus on developing models and control strategies to address destabilizing dynamics in active distribution networks. Collaboration opportunities include working with cutting-edge digital twins and advanced testing platforms.
The project emphasizes the dynamic interactions between DERs, including renewable energy sources and battery storage systems, and weak grid stability. Key objectives include improving grid observability, enhancing controllability, and developing robust power electronics control solutions to support Australia’s energy transition.
This project is jointly supervised by Assoc. Prof. Georgios Konstantinou (UNSW Sydney), Assoc. Prof. Hemanshu Pota (UNSW Canberra) and Prof. Saad Mekhilef (Swinburne University).
Requirements:
Required:
Master's by research (Completed or in the final year)
Strong publication track record in related areas relative to opportunity.
A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (UG marks >80%)
Meeting the English requirements for admission to the PhD program (https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements)
Good to have:
Experimental experience with power electronics (laboratory or industry)
Hands-on experience with power electronics and DER testing
How to Apply:
Please e-mail the following to g.konstantinou@unsw.edu.au (cc to h.pota@unsw.edu.au and smekhilef@swin.edu.au) with the title "PhD in DER and Weak Grid Dynamics":
CV: A comprehensive academic CV that includes details of your educational background, research experience, publications, awards, and relevant work experience.
Relevant Publications: Copies of peer-reviewed publications relevant to the topic. This may include journal articles, conference papers, or other scholarly outputs demonstrating your research expertise.
UG and PG Degrees and Transcripts: Official transcripts of your undergraduate and postgraduate coursework. These should include detailed grades and confirmation of degree completions.
Cover Letter: A one-page cover letter outlining your experience relevant to the project topic, particularly emphasizing any experimental work, power electronics expertise, and prior research contributions.
Position 2
PhD in Metrics Development for Power Electronics-Defined Power Systems
We are inviting applications for a fully-funded PhD position in the development and evaluation of new stability metrics for power electronics-defined power systems at UNSW, Sydney. The successful candidate will work on defining real-time monitoring of system strength metrics and their demonstration based on power system digital twins. The approach will consider both model-based and data-driven approaches. The student will also engage in the development of digital twin technologies and contribute to real-time modelling and Hardware in the loop testing at RTS@UNSW laboratory. The project will also include the definition and development of multiple dynamic libraries that will be used in practical demonstration of real-time system strength evaluation.
Requirements:
Required:
Master's by research (Completed or in the final year)
Strong publication track record in related areas relative to opportunity.
A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (UG marks >80%)
Meeting the English requirements for admission to the PhD program (https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements)
Good to have:
Experimental experience with power electronics (laboratory or industry)
Familiarity with real-time simulation / HiL
How to Apply:
Please e-mail the following to g.konstantinou@unsw.edu.au with the title "FF PhD scholarship application":
CV: A comprehensive academic CV that includes details of your educational background, research experience, publications, awards, and relevant work experience.
Relevant Publications: Copies of peer-reviewed publications relevant to the topic. This may include journal articles, conference papers, or other scholarly outputs demonstrating your research expertise.
UG and PG Degrees and Transcripts: Official transcripts of your undergraduate and postgraduate coursework. These should include detailed grades and confirmation of degree completions.
Cover Letter: A one-page cover letter outlining your experience relevant to the project topic, particularly emphasizing any experimental work, power electronics expertise, and prior research contributions.
Position 4:
PhD in Advanced Power Converter Control for Weak Hybrid AC/DC Systems
Applications are invited for a fully-funded PhD position in Advanced Power Converter Control at UNSW, Sydney. This research will focus on developing robust control strategies for power converters in weak grids with a consideration of hybrid AC/DC systems, addressing challenges in stability, interoperability, and dynamic performance. The project emphasizes innovations in grid-forming and grid-supporting converter control, tailored to enhance the reliability and efficiency of systems with high renewable DER penetration.
The research will explore power converter interactions with weak grids, investigate control solutions for managing dynamic instabilities, and propose methodologies for seamless operation in hybrid configurations. Key aspects include addressing system-wide stability challenges and leveraging cutting-edge power electronics technologies to support Australia’s evolving energy landscape.
This project is jointly supervised by Prof. Saad Mekhilef (Swinburne University). Assoc. Prof. Georgios Konstantinou (UNSW Sydney), and Assoc. Prof. Hemanshu Pota (UNSW Canberra). The student will be based in Swinburne University in Melbourne.
Requirements:
Required:
Master's by research (Completed or in the final year)
Strong publication track record in related areas relative to opportunity.
A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (UG marks >80%)
Meeting the requirements for admission to the PhD program at Swinburne University (https://www.swinburne.edu.au/courses/applying/how-to-apply-research-degree/entry-requirements/ )
Good to have:
Expertise in power converter control and stability analysis
Hands-on experience with power electronics and DER testing
How to Apply:
Please e-mail the following to smekhilef@swin.edu.au (cc to h.pota@unsw.edu.au and g.konstantinou@unsw.edu.au with the title "PhD in Power Converter Control for Hybrid Systems":
CV: A comprehensive academic CV that includes details of your educational background, research experience, publications, awards, and relevant work experience.
Relevant Publications: Copies of peer-reviewed publications relevant to the topic. This may include journal articles, conference papers, or other scholarly outputs demonstrating your research expertise.
UG and PG Degrees and Transcripts: Official transcripts of your undergraduate and postgraduate coursework. These should include detailed grades and confirmation of degree completions.
Cover Letter: A one-page cover letter outlining your experience relevant to the project topic, particularly emphasizing any experimental work, power electronics expertise, and prior research contributions.