Position 1 [Open in 2026]: 

Postdoctoral Research Fellow  in Control of DER in Weak Grids

We are inviting applications for a Research Associate/Post-Doctoral Fellow in Power Electronics and Power Engineering (Level A) is expected to contribute towards the research effort of UNSW and to develop their research expertise through the pursuit of defined projects relevant to their particular field of research under the supervision of Dr. Georgios Konstantinou at the Real-time Simulations Laboratory (RTS@UNSW). 

Specifically, the Research Associate is expected to contribute to research related to ARC project DP250101324 “Making weak power grids work: Models, controls, and interactions” y developing, implementing, and experimentally validating advanced modelling and control approaches for power-electronics-dominated power systems, with a focus on DER integration, system interactions, and real-time testing. He will also contribute to the supervision of 2 PhD students and Masters / Honors students working on the project. 

The role of Research Associate/Post-Doctoral Fellow reports to Assoc. Prof. Georgios Konstantinou in collaboration with Prof. Saad Mekhilef (Swinburne University) and Prof. Hemashu Pota (UNSW Canberra) and has no direct reports.

Requirements:

1. A PhD in Power Electronics and Power Engineering (with a strong preference in a topic related to the position).

2. Familiarity with real-time simulation / HiL and experimental experience with power electronics (laboratory or industry)

3. Demonstrated track record of high-quality publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.

4. Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.

5. Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.

6. Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.

7. Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills.

8. Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.

9. An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.

10. Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Role description and specific accountabilities (Not limited to the following):

1. Conduct experimental testing and validation of power-electronics-based DERs, including grid-forming inverters, solar PV and energy storage systems, under weak-grid and disturbed network conditions.

2. Develop, implement, and validate advanced control and modelling approaches for power converters using real-time simulation and hardware-in-the-loop platforms.

3. Collect, analyse, and curate experimental and simulation data for reporting, publication, and open sharing through UNSW’s research platforms, where appropriate.

4. Prepare regular project updates and contribute to technical reports and other deliverables associated with the project.

5. Contribute independently and as part of a collaborative research team to enhance the quality, impact, and relevance of research outcomes in power systems and power electronics.

6. Conduct research in accordance with disciplinary norms and contribute to scholarly outputs recognised by peers, including high-quality journal and conference publications.

How to Apply:

Initially, please e-mail the following to g.konstantinou@unsw.edu.au  with the title "PRF in  Control of DER in Weak Grids":

1. CV: A comprehensive academic CV that includes details of your educational background, research experience, publications, awards, and relevant work experience.

2. 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.

Priority will be given to candidates with working rights / Visa for Australia. 

Please note that applications will open formally through the UNSW system in early March. Candidates that do not email their details above before applying to the UNSW may not be considered. A link will be shared here when available. 

Position 2 [Currently Open]

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:

1. Master's by research (Completed or in the final year)

2. Strong publication track record in related areas relative to opportunity.

3. A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (UG marks  >80%)

4. 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:

1. Expertise in power converter control and stability analysis

2. 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":

1. CV: A comprehensive academic CV that includes details of your educational background, research experience, publications, awards, and relevant work experience.

2. 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.

3. UG and PG Degrees and Transcripts: Official transcripts of your undergraduate and postgraduate coursework. These should include detailed grades and confirmation of degree completions.

4. 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 [Offered / Currently Not Recruiting]: 

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:

1. Master's by research (Completed or in the final year)

2. Strong publication track record in related areas relative to opportunity.

3. A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (UG marks  >80%)

4. 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:

1. Experimental experience with power electronics (laboratory or industry)

2. 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":

1. CV: A comprehensive academic CV that includes details of your educational background, research experience, publications, awards, and relevant work experience.

2. 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.

3. UG and PG Degrees and Transcripts: Official transcripts of your undergraduate and postgraduate coursework. These should include detailed grades and confirmation of degree completions.

4. 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.