Do you want to contribute to paving the road for a power system based on 100% Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and are you looking for a career in R&D or academia? Then we have an exciting opportunity for you. In your PhD, you will contribute to the development of novel approaches for operating future power systems and derive equivalent models of Active Distribution Networks (ADNs).
The PhD project is part of a new research project funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark in the Independent Green Research track.
As we transition towards a power system fully reliant on renewables, the existing system is undergoing great changes that challenge current operation paradigms. Power generation is shifting to the distribution grid, and new consumers are connected, which have new dynamic behaviors but also offer new means of control. As a result, distribution grids are evolving into active distribution networks that have the potential of significantly contributing to power system operations.
Traditionally, Transmission System Operators have operated the power system using a top-down approach. In this project, we will explore the potential benefits deviating from this approach by operating the power system in a non-hierarchical manner with truly distributed controls. We believe this approach could enhance efficiency, stability, and resilience. As a PhD candidate you will directly contribute to these ambitions and help us to push the limits of the state-of-the-art.
As a PhD researcher at DTU Wind and Energy Systems, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the success of a world-leading energy systems department that puts knowledge to work through cutting-edge research, innovation, and development of technology. You will be part of a department, where we have internationally leading research environments, and where we prioritize strong cross-disciplinary collaborations within DTU, with leading international universities and facilities, as well as with private companies. We have a strong focus on the development of the future energy system with wind energy as the backbone and collaborate with the full sector.
You will join the international team carrying out research in Distributed Energy Systems section , where the working language is English.
Responsibilities and qualifications
As a PhD student, you will collaborate closely with the other project participants and with other PhDs at the Department who are working on related topics. The PhD project has the main objective to develop distributed control algorithms which will contribute to ensuring secure and stable operation of 100% RES based power systems.
Your primary tasks will be:
- Derive an accurate and scalable equivalent model of active distribution networks
- Validate and test the equivalent model with time-domain simulations and experiments in our integrated energy system laboratory (SYSLAB )
- Develop truly decentralized control approaches for future power systems dominated by active distribution networks
- Validate and test the control approaches in simulations and experiments in our integrated energy system laboratory
Within the first two months of the PhD project, you will develop a detailed project plan with your supervisors.
The successful candidate has a master’s degree in data sciences willing to learn about electrical systems or has a master’s degree in electrical engineering with a strong interest in data science and optimization.
Moreover, as a successful candidate:
- You have excellent grades in your master program
- You are a dedicated person with the desire to learn
- You have the ability to work in a project team and take responsibility for own research goals
- You are fluent in communicating and reporting in English
It is an advantage, if you have some of the following additional technical qualifications:
- Ability to present results in technical reports and prepare scientific papers for publication in international journals
- Strong programming skills
- The ability to work effectively with data and applied statistics
- Some experience within the field of optimization and machine learning
You must also fulfill the requirements for admission to a PhD program at DTU.
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 applicants will be made by Assistant Professors Tilman Weckesser (tweck@dtu.dk
) and Johanna Vorwerk (vorjo@dtu.dk
), and Head of Section for Distributed Energy Systems, Senior Researcher Henrik W. Bindner (hwbi@dtu.dk
).
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 September 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 about the academic content may be obtained from Assistant Professors Tilman Weckesser (tweck@dtu.dk
) and Johanna Vorwerk (vorjo@dtu.dk
), and Head of Section for Distributed Energy Systems, Senior Researcher Henrik W. Bindner (hwbi@dtu.dk
).
You can read more about DTU Wind and Energy Systems at www.vindenergi.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 15 April 2025 (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
- A research statement (max 500 words) where you outline a potential research direction that interests you. The research statement shall address the following three questions:
(1) What – what is the topic you propose to research?
(2) Why – why is it necessary to develop a new solution for this topic?
(3) How – how do you plan to develop a solution for this topic? Describe here the general research directions. It is not necessary to go into too much detail.
The research topic you discuss is entirely up to you; it may or may not be related to the research topic of the position advertised.
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, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
The Department of Wind and Energy Systems is one of the world’s largest centers of wind energy and energy systems research and knowledge, with a staff of more than 400 people from 37 countries working in research, innovation, research-based consulting and education. DTU Wind and Energy Systems has approximately 90 PhD students. The department’s cross-disciplinary research is organized through strategic research programs that collaborate with Danish and international universities, research institutions and organizations, as well as the wind industry.
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.
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Roskilde Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
-Arbejdsgiver:
DTU-RISØ, Frederiksborgvej, 4000 Høje-Taastrup
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 15-04-2025;
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/CV/FindWork/Details/00533281-918d-401c-8966-8c4df8bc5004
