Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The Faculty:

Department of Electrical, Computer, and Software Engineering

Modern world infrastructure is largely based on the work of electrical, computer and software engineers; from generation and distribution of electricity to providing telecommunication and internet services, portable and embedded computers and numerous software applications. All modern systems used in every day’s private or business life, such as mobile phones, vehicles, home and building automation or industrial control systems, will not exist if there are not electrical, computer and software engineers.

Our department offers three Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) specialisations, and Masters and PhD programmes in these areas. The department typically enrols around 200 undergraduate students in bachelor programmes every year, and also has more than 50 Masters and nearly 100 PhD students at any point of time.

Academic and research staff conduct research and have gained international reputation in a number of specific areas of interest not only for the present but also for the future world. They include:

• Power systems
• Inductive Power Transfer (IPT)
• Radio communications
• Embedded computing
• Robotics
• Advanced control systems
• Industrial informatics
• Advanced complex software systems

In collaboration within the department and with other parts of the University of Auckland, as well as with numerous international partners, new exciting research areas, such as renewable energy and smart grid, intelligent elderly care systems, smart sensor and actuating networks in civil engineering and environmental monitoring have developed and represent examples of the key future developments of the department.

This is a vibrant place for studying and research, where students and academic staff from different cultural and ethnical backgrounds meet, work together and achieve world-class results.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The Opportunity

We are looking for a Research Fellow to strengthen the Power Systems Group (PSG), which is one of the active research groups of ECSE Department.

We are focussing on research in topical aspects of electrical power systems engineering including monitoring, operation, protection, control and planning. Our ongoing research focuses on current and emerging issues that impact every segment of modern electricity infrastructure, including generation, transmission and distribution systems. Our current focus is on the integration of distributed/renewable energy sources (wind, solar and tidal) to New Zealand power systems, with emphasis on protection (IEC 61850, SPS, WAPS), economics (DSM, volatility) and innovation (smart-grid, storage).

This research position is funded through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) funded Strategic Science Innovation Fund (SSIF) for “ARCHITECTURE OF THE FUTURE LOW-CARBON, ​RESILIENT, ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM”  ​https://www.fan.ac.nz/ This position will liaise with all the other 5 research organisations involved in this nationally significant 7 year strategic program along with several international research partners active in HVDC technologies alongside numerous industry partners from New Zealand.

This is a fixed term role for 24 months, full time, 40 hours per week. The salary range for this role is $86,979 - $91,328 per annum depending on experience and qualifications.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description.

He kōrero mōu | About you

Our preferred candidate will have:

• A PhD in Electrical Engineering
• 2 to 3 years of experience following PhD in either industry, research organization or a research intense University as a Post-doctoral fellow, research engineer or innovation engineer
• A research background in Electrical Engineering
• Demonstrated ability to convert ideas to building laboratory prototypes
• Demonstrated experience of excellent research capabilities (design and leadership) required to carry out innovative and insightful research
• A publication track record as well as experience with preparation and delivery of quality oral presentations to a wide range of audiences is essential
• Understanding or good knowledge of electricity supply network
• Good programming and modelling skills (e.g., C/C++, Python, Matlab)
• A proven ability to communicate complex ideas and concepts (both orally and in writing) to a wide variety or groups including scientific and non-scientific audiences
• Strong computer literacy and numeric skills, use of database management tools and statistical analysis software, and modelling skills would be an advantage
• The ability and willingness to undertake collaborative research
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• The ability to relate well with, and teach and mentor research students
• Be able to demonstrate an understanding of multicultural issues and display a commitment to The Treaty of Waitangi
• A commitment to high quality work and professionalism

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities. 

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home, flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare and a number of other discounts on internal and external services. 

For more information please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 3/08/2023 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

Please reach out to Nirmail Nair Via [email protected] for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email.

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other equity issues go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz

The University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone can thrive. For further information see Te Ara Tautika | the Equity Policy and visit www.equity.auckland.ac.nz