PhD positions in Energy and Artificial Intelligence (# of pos: 3)

SDU Center for Energy Informatics invites applications for a number of fully-funded PhD positions. SDU Center for Energy Informatics (CEI) is an interdisciplinary industry-oriented research and innovation center with an international outlook. The center focuses on development of innovative digital energy solutions that can facilitate the transition towards a sustainable energy system. The center is part of the Faculty of Engineering (TEK), University of Southern Denmark, and located at the main Campus in Odense, Denmark. 

Profile and requirements

We are looking for highly motivated and ambitious students with excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken), who can work well in a team as well as independently and quickly acquire knowledge in new topics. 

In the motivation letter, the applicant has to state the number of the PhD research topic the applicant applies for. If the applicant wants to apply for more than one topic, the applicant has to provide a prioritized list.

About the PhD positions

The following research topics are 4+4 PhD positions (4 years). The retroactive starting date for the positions is, September 1, 2022. 

Topic 1: Identification, classification and prediction of driver behavior for optimal fuel consumption

The aim of this research topic is to develop and implement AI-based methods for identifying, classifying, and predicting optimal driver behavior for reducing fuel consumption in the transportation sector. The developed methods will be used in a real-time Advisory system for coaching drivers to avoid excessive fuel consumption. The research is conducted in collaboration with leading companies and organizations in the Danish transportation sector.

Topic 2: Open data spaces for provision of AI-based smart city services

This research topic focus on the development and deployment of enabling technologies for creation of open data spaces that can facilitate the innovation of AI-based smart city services. The research will provide companies with insight and best-practice for establishing their data and AI development workflows. The research is conducted in collaboration with leading global providers of open-source platforms and the European ERA-Net Smart Energy Systems community on digital transformation for green energy transition.

The following research topic is a 5+3 PhD position (3 years). The starting date for the position is as soon as possible in 2022. 

Topic 3: Smart asset maintenance and management for electric power distribution grids

The purpose of this research topic is to develop a machine learning-based prescriptive maintenance and asset management tool that enables distribution system operators to reduce their asset maintenance and management costs. The developed tool will provide DSOs with actionable insight about their grid assets before faults are expected to occur. The research is conducted in collaboration with Danish DSOs and leading companies in the energy sector.

Contact information

Further information is available by contacting Head of Centre, Professor Bo Nørregaard Jørgensen, [email protected]

If you experience technical problems you must contact [email protected] . 

Important information before applying

The 5+3 PhD fellowship programme is a 3-year salaried position and applicants are required to have a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment. Employment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position (start salary amounts to approx. 3.378,- EURO per month incl. supplements). Employment of a PhD fellow can only happen after the Head of the PhD School has approved the candidate for admission to the PhD school.

For applicants for a 4+4 PhD fellowship it is required that the applicant is enrolled in a Master's programme (kandidatuddannelse) at the Faculty of Engineering, SDU and has completed the first year at the time for enrollment. The 4+4 PhD fellowship programme is divided into a 22 months grant period followed by an employment period. When the master's degree (kandidatuddannelse) is achieved and you as least have attained a grad of 10 (Danish scale), you will be employed at the same terms as a 3-year PhD fellowship.  To be considered for the position it is required that the applicant is enrolled in a Master's programme (kandidatuddannelse) at the Faculty of Engineering, SDU, and has completed the first year at the time for enrollment.

The enrollment and employment will cease without further notice at the end of the 4-year period. A PhD fellow is not allowed to have any kind of sideline employment , while enrolled as PhD fellow at the faculty.

Employment is governed by the Protocol on PhD Research Fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.

The successful candidate will be enrolled at SDU in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order), read more here . 

Read more and apply at https://www.sdu.dk/en/service/ledige_stillinger/phd