Postdoc in Data-driven Modelling of Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers

The Dynamical Systems section at DTU Compute invites applications for a postdoc in data-driven modelling of Ultra-Low-Temperature (ULT) freezers. Statistical models, based on time series and other data from ULT systems, must be developed for the use in applications for performance characterisation, fault detection and real-time monitoring. The position is part of the Danish funded project Digital Oracle for Ultra Low Temperature Freezers .

You could be our new colleague if you are a talented researcher with a passion for research centred around blending knowledge from statistics and physics. Especially, if you like working with extracting information from data and feeding that directly to operators in real-time applications. You must have a strong background in applied statistics and data analysis, preferably from an engineering experience working with refrigeration and energy systems. In the project on which you will be hired, there will be time series and much other data from ULT freezer systems available. Data comprise electricity demand and temperatures, as well as logs of events and more. The freezers are mainly in operation for medical applications - both for research and large scale production. There will also be carried out experiments with an ULT freezer in a lab, where different faults will be introduced to gain detailed information about effects in data. The aim is to develop methods which can be implemented in a cloud computing setup and provide input to applications for improved daily operation and monitoring of the ULT freezers. Naturally, the main outcome of the work is through scientific publications describing the methods and results. You will mainly work with programming languages R and Python.

As such, this position offers a unique opportunity to join a team of scientists working at the very forefront of the field of data-driven modelling and optimization of energy systems. The university itself is located in the greater Copenhagen area, which is acknowledged for its excellent standards of living, childcare and welfare system.

Responsibilities and tasks
You will be responsible for research activities related to modelling of ULT-freezers, at the Dynamical Systems Section. Specific responsibilities and tasks will include the following:

• You will be the key person working on the project at DTU.
• An important task is to collaborate with partners in the project - they are: owners, operators and manufactures of the freezers, software developers, as well as other researchers. You need to be able to understand their needs for information.
• You will use your knowledge about statistics and data analysis, and combine this with your background in engineering, preferably on refrigeration systems.
• You will develop methods for analysing electricity demand and temperature data from ULT-freezer systems for classification of events and faults.
• You will handle various forms of data and write code which can be part of prototype demonstration software running in real-time.

In collaboration with your colleagues, you will engage in project management activities and funding applications related to your field of research;

• You will work in close collaboration with academic and industry partners, as well as with municipalities;
• You will support education and innovation activities;
• You will contribute to supervision of bachelor, master and PhD students;

Qualifications
As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). Furthermore, good command of the English language is essential.

More specifically, you should have the following qualifications:

• Experience with statistical and data-driven modelling (e.g. grey-box modelling, non-parametric modelling (splines, kernels, neural-networks)).
• Engineering background and experience with physics, preferably within refrigeration and energy systems.
• Preferably, experience with advanced statistics, stochastic differential equations and Kalman filtering.
• Preferably, experience with teaching activities related to the field of statistics, data-analysis and energy

In addition:

• You are motivated by both individual and team accomplishments
• You believe in dialogue and feedback as the best foundation for sound decision-making

Flexibility and self-motivation are desired skills at DTU. In addition, we expect you to be interested in collaboration and to take personal responsibility for your work.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 2 years. Starting date is 1 March 2022 (or according to mutual agreement).  

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Peder Bacher, email: [email protected] , tel.: +45 6077 4725.

You can read more about DTU Compute at www.compute.dtu.dk/english .

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than10 January 2022 (Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD)
• List of publications

Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Section for Dynamical Systems
The Dynamical Systems section conducts fundamental, advanced, strategic and applied research in the area of dynamical systems. This involves both deterministic and stochastic systems, discrete and continuous systems, deductive and inductive model building, forecasting and descriptions, as well as control and optimization. We do research in both deterministic and stochastic systems within a range of applications. The main themes are energy, smart cities, medicine, and biology.

DTU Compute
DTU Compute is a unique and internationally recognized academic environment spanning the science disciplines mathematics, statistics, computer science, and engineering. We conduct research, teaching and innovation of high international standard—producing new knowledge and technology-based solutions to societal challenges. We have a long-term involvement in applied and interdisciplinary research, big data and data science, artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), smart and secure societies, smart manufacturing, and life science.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 12,900 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.