TU Delft is a top tier university and is exceedingly active in the field of Artificial intelligence and the TU Delft's campus has strong expertise in energy systems. Energy systems are the backbone of our modern society, but are becoming increasingly complex and challenging to operate as renewable energy, heating and transport sectors are integrated into the system. It’s crucially important that energy systems are sustainable, reliable and effective, now and in the future. The DAI Energy Lab investigates how the new area of data-driven scientific computing can contribute to managing energy systems.

We combine ground-breaking machine learning with the reliable theory of the physical energy system. The area of data-driven scientific computing promises to combine statistics, time-frequency analysis, low-dimensional model reductions, and other techniques to extract information from data. With machine learning, we make such information useful for the management of complex energy systems. For example, it is possible to use neural networks to model differential equations that describe dynamics, and for predicting extreme, rare events. The DAI Energy Lab will investigate data-driven scientific modelling for their applicability in monitoring the 'health' of energy system components, and for the early detection of threats. We will form a new team of four PhD researchers. You will work as one of the team members and integrate your own ambitious research program within our research vision. We distinguish between IN-AI and WITH-AI research. IN-AI projects focus on fundamental methods from data-driven scientific computing for energy system applications. WITH-AI projects focus on assembling such methods to build full workflows for the application to energy system problems

“This PhD is a WITH-AI project with the theme for health monitoring of dynamics for time-varying systems. Along with your colleagues, you will work on real-time estimation of the system’s operating condition, and extract physical information to enhance machine learning workflows. You will investigate such workflows with a focus on the impacts on time-varying parameters for dynamic studies. You will discover how the discrete behavior of parameter changes can be mitigated in novel neural network-based approaches with the final objective of making the workflows useful for dynamic studies, and, applicable for real-time purposes.”

• An MSc degree in either Machine Learning, Robotics, Control Systems, Operations Research or in Power/Energy Systems, Electrical Engineering, etc.
• Demonstrated competences in one or more of these categories: AI, computer/data science, machine learning, energy system modelling, dynamic systems, power systems or another relevant field.
• An affinity with teaching and guiding students
• A proven record and interest in further developing your modelling, programming, analytical and scientific writing skills
• An affinity with energy and power systems, with net-zero carbon targets, technical challenges
• Proficient in verbal and written English.
• The ability to work in a team, take initiative, be results oriented and systematic

Fixed-term contract: 5 jaar.

TU Delft offers DAI-Lab PhD-candidates a 5-year contract (as opposed to the normal 4-years), with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3217 in the fifth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health

insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible

work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to

Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three disciplines - electrical engineering, mathematics and computer science. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make future-proof. We are also working on a world in which humans and computers reinforce each other. We are mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. There is plenty of room here for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1,100 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

The DAI Energy Lab is a Delft Artificial Intelligence Lab. Artificial Intelligence, Data and Digitalisation are becoming increasingly important when looking for answers to major scientific and societal challenges. In a DAI-lab, experts in ‘the fundamentals of AI technology’ along with experts in ‘AI challenges’ run a shared lab. As a PhD, you will work with at least two academic members of staff and three other PhD candidates. In total TU Delft will establish 24 DAI-Labs, where 48 Tenure Trackers and 96 PhD candidates will have the opportunity to push the boundaries of science using AI. You will be a member of the thriving DAI-Lab community that fosters cross-fertilization between talents with different expertise and disciplines.

Each team is driven by research questions which arise from scientific and societal challenges, and contribute to the development and execution of domain specific education. You will receive a 5-year contract and will be deployed for AI-related education for the usual teaching effort for PhD students in the faculty plus an additional 20%. The extra year compared to the usual 4-year contract accommodates the 20% additional AI, Data and Digitalisation education related activities. All team members have many opportunities for self-development.

The DAI Energy Lab is led by Jochen Cremer and Peyman Mohajerin Esfahani. You will work in one of the following departments: (1) Electric Sustainable Energy (ESE) of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS), and (2) Delft Center for Systems and Control (DCSC) of the Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (3ME).

he ESE department’s research activities aim at accelerating the energy transition towards sustainable energy. The research covers electrical energy generation from renewable energy sources, its transmission, distribution and storage. The department designs and fabricates high-performance, low-cost photovoltaic (PV) cells and power electronics devices for integration in future power networks. It studies systems with electricity generation using PV and wind technologies, high-voltage and direct-current transmission, and intelligent power management for increasing energy efficiency

The Delft Center for Systems and Control investigates fundamental aspects of dynamic systems and control as well as advancing innovative and high-tech applications, including cyber-physical systems composed of many interconnected and embedded components.