Postdoc Multi-Modelling Methodologies in Energy Transition Modelling

Interested in understanding what it takes to combine the many different models currently deployed in the energy domain, to make the energy transition work? Then you are the person we are looking for!

Long-term planning and joint action are essential for the energy transition. Stakeholders all have their own models and simulations that provide insights on technical, organisational, and social aspects of the transition. They, however, need to be combined into multi-models that can be used for effective decision support. The System Integration programme, “Towards a multi-model infrastructure for integrated decision-making in the energy transition:  multi-model.nl (funded by the Dutch Topsector Energy), follows a participatory multi-modelling approach to;

a) develop a technical software infrastructure to combine existing models into multi-models,

b) develop methods to dealing with issues in scaling between different models, for uncertainty propagation in multi-models and methods for combining models based on different operational principles ( e.g. agent based simulations and techno-economic optimisations)  and

c) to create a community of practice of model developers and multi-model users.

As a postdoc you will focus primarily on methods to deal with challenges associated with scaling, uncertainty propagation and coupling of different formalisms. These methods must be;

a) theoretically sound,

b) of practical use to energy modelling practitioners and ideally

c) align with the multi-modelling framework that is being developed.

The specific models, and multi-models are developed by project partners, and while the candidate is expected to understand the models, he/she is not expected to develop new models of the energy system.

• A PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Modelling and Simulation or related (non-STEM) disciplines with experience in the use and integration of multiple (simulation) models;
• You will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to deal with multi-models and have an interest in developing methodological aspects of multi-modelling;
• Prior experience with energy systems modeling is desirable but not necessary.

Besides this you have/are:

• excellent communication skills, open minded, team player, and excellent professional and scientific writing skills;
• an excellent written and spoken command of English;
• good command of programming languages such as python and java; experience in docker, Apache airflow and/or other web simulation technologies is a plus but not a hard requirements.

Please do not hesitate to reach out for additional information if needed.          

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. You'll be a offered a fulltime contract with a duration of 2 years, in scale 10, with a minimum of € 2.960 and a maximum of € 4.670 gross per month. These figures are based on a full time position.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount 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. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

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!

With its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy, the Faculty of TPM makes an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security.
We combine insights from the engineering sciences, the social and the humanities. We develop robust models and designs, are internationally oriented and have an extensive network with knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management.

For more information about this vacancy, the scientific direction and the project you are encouraged to contact dr. ir. Igor Nikolic via [email protected] .

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 1 February 2023 via the application button and upload the following information:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV);
• Motivation letter indicating your research interests and experience;
• Diplomas/degrees including a grade transcript of previous education and/or PhD diploma;
• Names and details of two references who support your application;
• Proof of academic writing skills by 1-2 research papers.     

Please note:

• We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.

For information about the application procedure, please contact Martine van de Vorst, HR Advisor via [email protected] .

Interested in understanding what it takes to combine the many different models currently deployed in the energy domain, to make the energy transition work? Then you are the person we are looking for!

Long-term planning and joint action are essential for the energy transition. Stakeholders all have their own models and simulations that provide insights on technical, organisational, and social aspects of the transition. They, however, need to be combined into multi-models that can be used for effective decision support. The System Integration programme, “Towards a multi-model infrastructure for integrated decision-making in the energy transition:  multi-model.nl (funded by the Dutch Topsector Energy), follows a participatory multi-modelling approach to;

a) develop a technical software infrastructure to combine existing models into multi-models,

b) develop methods to dealing with issues in scaling between different models, for uncertainty propagation in multi-models and methods for combining models based on different operational principles ( e.g. agent based simulations and techno-economic optimisations)  and

c) to create a community of practice of model developers and multi-model users.

As a postdoc you will focus primarily on methods to deal with challenges associated with scaling, uncertainty propagation and coupling of different formalisms. These methods must be;

a) theoretically sound,

b) of practical use to energy modelling practitioners and ideally

c) align with the multi-modelling framework that is being developed.

The specific models, and multi-models are developed by project partners, and while the candidate is expected to understand the models, he/she is not expected to develop new models of the energy system.

• A PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Modelling and Simulation or related (non-STEM) disciplines with experience in the use and integration of multiple (simulation) models;
• You will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to deal with multi-models and have an interest in developing methodological aspects of multi-modelling;
• Prior experience with energy systems modeling is desirable but not necessary.

Besides this you have/are:

• excellent communication skills, open minded, team player, and excellent professional and scientific writing skills;
• an excellent written and spoken command of English;
• good command of programming languages such as python and java; experience in docker, Apache airflow and/or other web simulation technologies is a plus but not a hard requirements.

Please do not hesitate to reach out for additional information if needed.          

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. You'll be a offered a fulltime contract with a duration of 2 years, in scale 10, with a minimum of € 2.960 and a maximum of € 4.670 gross per month. These figures are based on a full time position.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount 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. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

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!

With its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy, the Faculty of TPM makes an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security.
We combine insights from the engineering sciences, the social and the humanities. We develop robust models and designs, are internationally oriented and have an extensive network with knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management.

For more information about this vacancy, the scientific direction and the project you are encouraged to contact dr. ir. Igor Nikolic via [email protected] .

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 1 February 2023 via the application button and upload the following information:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV);
• Motivation letter indicating your research interests and experience;
• Diplomas/degrees including a grade transcript of previous education and/or PhD diploma;
• Names and details of two references who support your application;
• Proof of academic writing skills by 1-2 research papers.     

Please note:

• We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.

For information about the application procedure, please contact Martine van de Vorst, HR Advisor via [email protected] .