The University of Manchester Looking for Research Associate for Condition Monitoring of Overhead Line Insulators (two posts available) at Manchester Full Time

Job reference: SAE-020587

Location: Oxford Road, Manchester

Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 16/12/2022

Salary: £34,308 to £42,155 per annum depending on relevant experience

Employment type: Fixed Term

Faculty/Organisation: Science and Engineering

Division: Department of Electrical & Electron Eng

Hours per week: Full Time

Contract Duration: From 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2025

School / Directorate: School of Engineering

We are currently seeking two researchers to work on a project relating to the development of condition monitoring techniques on ceramic overhead line insulators, and the integration of these techniques onto a UAV platform. The posts are for 30 months each, starting January 2023. The research will be performed primarily at UoM High Voltage labs. The High Voltage lab at UoM is the largest open access high voltage lab in the UK and the only one capable of testing assets at UK transmission level voltages.

Ceramic insulators are still widely used across the high voltage transmission network, and subjected to time-varying mechanical loads, weather and environmental pollution that along with material defects can result in premature failure. Visual monitoring techniques are used to inspect insulators on the system but is labour intensive and can also miss certain ageing mechanism. The current project will deliver a UAV-based condition monitoring system that will be able to inspect ceramic insulators in the field using novel optical sensors. The project is part of the Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) schemes funded by National Grid, and the systems developed as part of this project will allow the condition monitoring and asset management teams to assess the health of ceramic insulators more effectively and without the need for outages.

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

Blended working arrangements may be considered

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

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr Vidyadhar Peesapati

Email: [email protected] 

General enquiries:

Email: [email protected]

Technical support:

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

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