Do you want to contribute to the green transition by developing mathematical models, forecasts and/or controllers for various energy systems components? Then apply for one of these 3-year PhD positions in the section for Dynamical Systems (DynSys) at DTU Compute, where you will be involved in national and/or international projects related to smart energy systems.

The electrification of the energy sector and the means to deal with fluctuations in the production of renewable energy are critical issues that need to be addressed in order to accomplish the green transition. Most parts of the future integrated energy system sector must be operated dynamically to meet the future requirements and constraints in energy demand and supply. Mathematical models that capture the inherent dynamics and uncertainty in the operation of these components and systems are needed. Examples of such systems and applications include for the particular positions involve:

• heating and cooling of buildings, supermarket refrigeration systems and their coupling to district heating and roof-top solar PV, PtX, battery storage,
• forecasting of wind and solar, loads and electricity markets,
• controlling energy systems (e.g. heat storage, refrigeration, PtX, batteries, etc.) for optimal operation using e.g. model predictive control.

You will use stochastic and statistical modelling concepts together with domain-knowledge to develop such models. Afterwards, the models are used in an optimal controller to optimise the operations of the system, which you will also develop.

We offer an inspiring work environment with lots of great colleagues from all over the world, and the section spans a wide array of interests and competences ranging all the way from more engineering-oriented research to more theoretical mathematics.

Responsibilities and qualifications
We are looking for profiles with a strong background in mathematics or mathematical physics/statistics, chemistry/chemical engineering/electrical engineering who understands how to apply mathematical concepts to real-world problems by combining theory and engineering.

In addition to a high proficiency in applied mathematics or statistics, it is required to have experience with some of the below:

• mathematical modelling of processes and physical phenomena and preferably related to electrical and energy systems in general (e.g., building HVAC systems, refrigeration systems, weather processes, electrical grids),
• stochastic/statistical modelling (e.g., using stochastic differential equations),
• parameter estimation (e.g., using maximum likelihood techniques), and
• programming (R/Python/Julia/C/C++ or similar).

Your responsibility will be to develop and validate mathematical grey-box (data-driven digital twin) models of individual parts of an energy system and afterwards design and develop an appropriate optimal controller. The model development includes describing the necessary system dynamics and external dependencies with e.g. the weather. As part of this effort, you will collaborate with other researchers at DTU and other universities. You should also expect a strong interaction with industry collaborators developing and implementing smart energy systems.

The position will also involve identification of the models (i.e., of the model structure and parameters), and, depending on how the projects develop and your specific background, real-life implementation of the developed methods in the field in collaboration with industry partners. Furthermore, you will support the supervision of students (primarily BSc and MSc projects) and disseminate your research through journal publications, conference contributions, and presentations in seminars and courses.

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. 

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.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here. 

Further information 
If you have questions, please contact Head of Section, Prof. Henrik Madsen, on e-mail hmad@dtu.dk or phone +45 2083 4304.

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 15 March 2024 (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.

DTU Compute
DTU Compute is a unique and internationally recognized academic department with 400 employees and 11 research sections spanning the science disciplines mathematics, statistics, ML, computer science, and engineering. We conduct research, teaching and innovation of high international standard – producing new knowledge and technology-based solutions to societal challenges. We have a long-term involvement in applied and interdisciplinary research, big data and data science, artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), smart and secure societies, smart manufacturing, and life science. At DTU Compute we believe in a diverse workplace with a flexible work-life balance.

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.

Deadline: 2024-03-15 at 23:59
Unit: dtu

Read the job description at the university homepage or apply.