Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is a young university, founded in 1956 by industry, local government and academia. Today, their spirit of collaboration is still at the heart of the university community. We foster an open culture where everyone feels free to exchange ideas and take initiatives.

Eindhoven University of Technology offers academic education that is driven by fundamental and applied research. Our educational philosophy is based on personal attention and room for individual ambitions and talents. Our research meets the highest international standards of quality. We push the limits of science, which puts us at the forefront of rapidly emerging areas of research.

Eindhoven University of Technology combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on mentality. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. We understand things by making them and we make things by understanding them.

Our campus is in the centre of one of the most powerful technology hubs in the world: Brainport Eindhoven. Globally, we stand out when it comes to collaborating with advanced industries. Together with other institutions, we form a thriving ecosystem with one common aim - to improve quality of life through sustainable innovations.

The Electromechanics and Power Electronics group is one of the nine research groups of the Department of Electrical Engineering at TU/e. The group is the main centre for research in electromechanical power conversion and power electronics in the Netherlands. The research is aligned with the three main strategic research themes of Eindhoven University of Technology, i.e. Energy, Health and Smart Mobility.

This PhD position is part of the CEH (Charging Energy Hubs)  Research program. CEH is a collaborative initiative that seeks to expedite the electrification of the logistics industry through joint efforts in research and innovation. This consortium comprises influential entities such as Shell, Prodrive, DAF, DAMEN, Scholt Energy, Firan, ElaadNL, Dynniq Energy, and TNO.

Within the CEH project, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of grid resilience and enhancing grids capacity to facilitate the transition towards a sustainable energy future. Your research will focus on grid modelling, adherence to grid standards, and experimental validation of innovative solutions aimed at addressing the challenges posed by increasing renewable energy integration and electrification of various sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive grid modelling studies to assess grids capacity and resilience in the context of evolving energy systems. This will involve developing mathematical models of distribution and transmission grids, considering factors such as renewable energy penetration, demand patterns, grid topology, and operational constraints.
• Analyse and interpret grid standards and regulations to ensure compliance and compatibility with proposed solutions.
• Design and implement experimental setups to validate grid modelling assumptions and evaluate the performance of novel technologies and strategies.
• Collaborate with industry partners, regulatory bodies, and academic institutions to gather data, exchange knowledge, and leverage resources for conducting experimental validation studies. Engage in technology transfer activities to facilitate the adoption of research findings in real-world grid operations and planning.
• Document research methodologies, results, and insights in technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations. Communicate research findings effectively to diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, industry professionals, and fellow researchers, to drive awareness and promote adoption of sustainable grid solutions.

As a PhD student, you will be working in the Electrical Energy Systems (EES) group in the Electrical Engineering department (https://www.tue.nl/ees). Weekly meetings will be held with the direct supervisors, and regular meetings will occur with the academic and industrial project partners.

The PhD candidate for the CEH project should fulfil the following requirements:

• MSc degree in Electrical Engineering
• Strong affinity and experience with power systems and mathematics
• Affinity with the following topics: power systems analysis, medium voltage technology, renewable energy sources, power quality, hosting capacity concepts.
• A working knowledge of distribution grids
• Strong analytical and research skills, both regarding theoretical work and experimental validation
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to independently organise his/her own work, to solve problems, to set and achieve goals and to cooperate with others
• Willingness and ability to participate in the education in BSc and MSc programs (both taught in English)
• Good scientific writing and documentation skills
• Strong command of the English language, both spoken and written.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.