Position Title: Research Fellow- Smart Grids (Full – time)

Location: New Delhi, India at FSR Global Office (Hybrid)

No. of Positions open: 1

Starting in: May 2025

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow to join our team in advancing smart grid technologies as a part of our Smart Grid Observatory (SGO) project. The successful candidate will work on cutting-edge solutions aimed at grid digitalization, data integration & analytics, interoperability in the power sector and integrating renewable energy sources.

The Smart Grid Observatory (SGO) is an open digital platform that brings together all stakeholders of the smart grid ecosystem to transform the power grid through development of digital stacks, state of the art technology, intelligence platforms, knowledge transfer and demonstrative sandboxes.

The ‘Research Fellow’ will work with the co-chairs and expert working group of the SGO to develop and build upon the various elements of the SGO. The Researcher will engage with and drive partnership with relevant policymakers, utilities, academia and industry leaders. Responsibilities include conducting independent and innovative research, data analysis, publishing high-impact papers, support training programs and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.

Profile Requirement:

Key Responsibilities

  1. Smart Grid Policy & Technical Research
  • Conduct techno-economic assessments of emerging Smart grid technologies, evaluating cost-benefit impacts, regulatory challenges, and policy implications.
  • Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, and recommendations for government agencies and private stakeholders.
  • Monitor and analyse policy, regulatory, and industry trends in the Smart Grid space.
  • Maintain a repository of policy and regulatory developments, technical sheets, data, and leading energy studies from India and globally.
  • Conduct data analysis of large data sets and draw meaningful inferences. Perform data analysis on smart meters across the grid and assess its applications in India.
  • Identify and aggregate learnings from the energy ecosystem, bringing together shared knowledge from diverse sources into a structured framework.
  1. Stakeholder Engagement & Capacity Building
  • Engage with policymakers, industry leaders, think tanks, and research institutions (within India and Globally) to share insights and develop meaningful discussions.
  • Design and deliver training programs, policy dialogues, and stakeholder engagement initiatives like workshops to facilitate knowledge-building and sharing.
  • Support training programs for government officials, industry professionals, and stakeholders, ensuring practical application of research findings.
  • Collaborate with global and domestic institutions to promote best practices and scalable smart grid solutions.
  • Contribute to securing funding through grant applications and partnerships.
  1. Strategic Planning & Project Execution
  • Work with senior leadership and internal team to define research priorities, program goals, and success metrics.
  • Assist in project planning, execution, proposal development and reporting for funders and stakeholders.
  • Continuously assess program impact and suggest refinements based on emerging trends and research findings.
  • Contribute actively to project/team discussions and work on various team/group specific strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

  • PhD (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field with expertise in smart grids.
  • 7+ years of experience (including PhD years) in the Indian power sector will be required.
  • Knowledge of smart grid IT & OT technologies, standards and interoperability frameworks.
  • Strong research & analytical background with experience in conducting policy research, technical analysis, and stakeholder engagements.
  • Proven track record of publications in high-impact journals/ conferences.
  • Ability to engage with government, industry, and academia to drive impactful research and policy discussions.
  • Experience in conducting and facilitating knowledge-sharing events, including workshops, debates, and seminars.
  • Strong analytical skills and a proven track record of publications in high-impact journals/ conferences.
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or MATLAB will be an asset.
  • Familiarity with big data analytics for energy systems.
  • Knowledge of cyber security measures will be an asset
  • Experience in working with the energy utilities would be an asset.
  • Self-starter with the ability to work independently, and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.
  • Innovative thinking and solution-oriented approach to work.

Remuneration: As per market standards in India.

Perquisites:

  • We believe in having work life balance, hence we break for holidays once in summer (2 weeks) and once in winter (2 weeks) – Yes the entire team takes a break!
  • We have 5-day hybrid working week- 3 days in office and 2 days work from home.
  • We believe in a diverse and inclusive working environment to help stimulate and inspire us.
  • We are a flat organisation which encourages collaboration, innovation and problem solving to work towards our common goal as a cohesive team with collective responsibilities.
  • We are a dynamic team where ideas and contributions matter more than titles.
  • Get mentored by working closely with high- level senior experts from across the world.

Deadline: 30 April 2025

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