PhD position in Modelling and Control of Flexible Regional Energy Systems - DTU Compute

Are you passionate about revolutionizing control systems for energy systems with mathematics and computers? We seek a highly motivated PhD student to join our dynamic team at DTU. This is your opportunity to work on groundbreaking research to optimize the operation of energy systems and contribute to the green transition. By joining us, you will gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art tools and methodologies, collaborate with leading experts in the field, and contribute to innovative solutions that address real-world challenges.

We look for a talented, self-motivated, and team-oriented individual who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys tackling complex topics. As a PhD student in our team, you will be part of a world-leading research environment and contribute to the development of next-generation data-driven tools for demand-side management of energy systems, based on flexible resources such as heat pumps, EV-charging, batteries and other green technologies. Your work will focus on developing control and optimization models coupled with forecast models, using data from systems at demonstration sites. You will be part of an EU project and participate in developing algorithms that ill be used in real tests and demonstrations across Europe. You will use the results to publish scientific articles in leading international journals.

By joining us, you will not only advance your professional skills but also play a crucial role in pioneering research that supports a sustainable transition of the energy system. This project is funded by EU Horizon Europe, where Section for Dynamical Systems at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science joins up with 15 partners across Europe. You will travel to meetings and site visits multiple times per year and work in close collaboration with partner experts in a joint effort to realize and test the implemented models and optimization algorithms.  

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all genders and backgrounds.

Responsibilities
You will be part of a vibrant working environment with a pleasant team atmosphere where you will have the opportunity to grow and develop your academic, industry, and personal skills. Besides cutting-edge research, PhD students participate in international research projects, collaborate with industry, assist in teaching courses, and co-supervise BSc and MSc students, allowing them to develop the necessary skills for the next steps in their careers.

Qualifications
Graduates with a background in engineering, mathematics, computer science, physics, sustainable energy, and any related discipline are encouraged to apply. 

You are expected to conduct high-quality research on the intersection of operations research, multi-agent systems, machine learning, data science, and energy systems modelling. You will implement already developed models and optimization, as well as building your own new models using data from real sites and systems, hence you must master both an analytical/theoretical understanding, as well as have appetite and skills for coding algorithms, which will be used in real tests and demonstrations.

A background in (two or more of) the following points is desired: 

• Machine learning techniques, statistics, and probabilities, with focus on time series analysis and modelling of dynamical systems
• Methodologies for decision-making under uncertainty (e.g. Model Predictive Control, Stochastic/Robust Optimization and Dynamic Programming)
• Fundamentals of energy systems as well as some familiarity with energy markets and services
• Programming tools such as R, Python, Julia, Pytorch, etc.

Further relevant qualifications include:

• Excellent use of the English language 
• Willingness to work in a team-oriented environment
• A desire for working in a project with many partners across Europe, which requires a lot of both travelling and online collaborative work
• Courage and patience to code models and optimization for running tests and demonstrations in real operation settings
• Good ability to present results in oral presentations and prepare scientific papers for publication in international journals

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment 
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education. 

Assessment
The assessment of the candidates will be based on the material they submit and one or two stages of interview, online and/or in person. During one of the two stages, the candidates can be asked to review a paper sent to them, describing its strengths, weaknesses, and potential for future extensions.

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 appointment terms
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 3 years. The starting date is 1. February 2025 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is full-time.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Peder Bacher (pbac@dtu.dk) and Georgios Tsaousoglou (geots@dtu.dk).

You can read more about DTU Compute here: www.compute.dtu.dk. 

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 1 December 2024 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

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

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 mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 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.