PhD Position - Innovative monitoring solutions for modern energy grids

Your Job:

The growing demand for energy transformation to counter the effects of climate change and reduce dependence on imported energy sources and raw materials is driving the European energy system towards a dynamic, supply- and demand-driven approach, often organised in local energy communities with a high penetration of renewable resources. Maintaining an efficient, sustainable, and stable energy supply requires integrating various infrastructures, including electricity, gas, and heat sectors. However, the fluctuating availability of energy presents complex challenges for local energy communities.
In particular, given the limited observability of the energy systems, advanced techniques are needed to model and estimate the behaviour of the entire energy system, in order to provide reliable data for system monitoring and control.

We are currently seeking a PhD student for the following research topics:

• Data analysis considering uncertainties and related metrologial aspects
  
• Development of the interfaces between monitoring devices and additional software tools
  
• Data-driven modelling of energy systems components for real-time and hardware in the loop (HiL)
  
• Development of advanced estimation algorithms for the energy grid
  
• Real-time implementation and hardware-in-the-loop validation of the methods and tools
  
• Integration of the developed algorithms in real applications

Your Profile:

• Excellent university degree (Masters) in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Physics or a comparable field
  
• Strong mathematical background
  
• Excellent knowledge and experience in programming (e.g. Python, Matlab, C, C++)
  
• Knowledge of statistical analysis for measurement data
  
• Knowledge of energy systems modelling
  
• Interest in energy systems and energy infrastructures, especially regarding power and gas grids
  
• Experience with real-time simulations is welcome
  
• Excellent ability for cooperative collaboration
  
• Very good communication skills in English

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• A highly motivated research group in one of the biggest research centers in Europe
  
• An excellent scientific and technical infrastructure: Both necessary conditions for a successful PhD thesis at RWTH Aachen within three and a half years
  
• Participation in project meetings and conferences
  
• Strong support and mentoring for setting up a future career in science and/or the industry
  
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/judocs
  
• 30 days of annual leave and an attractive regulation for bridging days
  
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  

The position is for a fixed term of 3,5 years, where the first half year serves as orientation and probation period. Pay is in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.