The rapid transformation of energy systems presents grid operators with serious challenges. To secure the transition to a renewable and stable grid, reliability is crucial. This is why Delft AI Energy Lab and the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) have joined forces in the ‘AI research in energy system planning and operations’ programme. As a PhD student, you will get the unique opportunity to conduct research and develop novel AI-based algorithms geared to enhance energy system tools at Austria’s leading research organisation. Would you like to propose your own research line in the programme? Would you like to combine academic and industrial research?

In your research, you will implement your research within the interaction of the actors in the energy system which may vary largely, grid stability measured in seconds, and the integration of renewables. You will research and gain in-depth understanding of the latest machine learning techniques and modify them to tackle -integration-related challenges, helping drive smarter grid operation and planning. You will also build verification test beds. In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop your own research line and work with major grid operators as well as leading energy producers. Twice a year, you will join us in Delft for courses and training, as well as interaction with your fellow-researchers at Delft AI Energy Lab.

Your home base will be the Principal Research Group of Delft AI Energy Lab at AIT’s Center for Energy. Dedicated to conducting high-quality research, we are a growing team of international PhD students and academics looking to make a difference in the energy transition. Working in AIT’s teams, you will benefit from their mass of aggregator and operator data, industrial network, and highly experienced modellers. We foster an open, friendly and supportive environment. You will get all the coaching and training you need, and work in unrivalled facilities, which include the Control Room of the Future and the Drive Testing Laboratory.

Do you search for a more clearly defined PhD project within this programme? Please look at the position on EV charging.

Learn more about AIT and Delft AI Energy Lab.

You thrive on conducting cutting-edge research geared to tackling the technical challenges of energy systems with net-zero carbon targets. Harnessing your communication skills, you easily interact with your teams in Austria and Delft. You work well in teams, yet take initiative and ownership of your research and results. And you embrace the opportunity to work in Vienna and travelling to the Netherlands.

You also have:

• An MSc in Machine Learning, Robotics, Control Systems, Operations Research, Power/Energy Systems, Electrical Engineering, or another relevant subject.
• Demonstrable competence in AI, computer/data science, machine learning, energy system modelling, dynamic systems, power systems, or another relevant field.
• Excellent modelling, programming, analytical and scientific writing skills and an eagerness to develop them further.
• A good command of English, because you will be working in an international environment.     

At AIT you will be offered a four-year contract for 30 hours a week, and you’ll be spending an additional 10 hours a week on personal development, which adds up to a 40-hour week. You will be based in Vienna, Austria and will travel to the Netherlands for multi-week research sessions at TU Delft twice a year. These are your benefits:

• A gross annual salary of €31,326.40 based on 30 hours a week
• An extensive education and training programme.
• Allowance to travel to TU Delft around twice a year.

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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 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.