PostDoc in AI for the electricity market integration of energy communities

Introduction

Do you want to develop key knowledge for an efficient energy transition through AI in the local electricity system, while acquiring academic perspectives?

Job Description

This position is dual fold and has both a teaching and a research related aspect.

Power networks are critical for the integration of renewables and the electrification of energy consumption. Through digitalisation, power networks become Smart Grids that can monitor energy flows and adjust energy supply and demand accordingly, allowing demand flexibility services, distributed Energy Resources (DER), efficient operation, relevant savings in network investments, and the participation of consumers. Europe requires large investments in Smart Grids, particularly in educating the future workforce as well as providing lifelong learning services to the current employees (re-skilling and up-skilling). This is stated in the European Action Plan for Digitalising the Energy Sector (October 2022), the European Action Plan for Grids, the Net-Zero Industry Act, and recently the Clean Industrial Act.

When it comes to the teaching related activities:

This PostDoc project is funded through the project SG SKILL that has kicked off 1st of December 2025. The SG-SKILL project is focused on the training needs for Smart Grids, covering their full value chain (planning, design, supply, implementation, commissioning, operation and maintenance, commercialisation) and the adaptation of existing conventional networks in all voltage levels. Training needs will address the diversity of job profiles required by the sector and all the corresponding educational levels, from VET to high-level education and research. The project will also consider the new roles of consumers enabled by digital tools, allowing citizens and energy communities to profit from local renewable sources.

The main objectives of the project are:

• Matching demand and supply of skills in the Smart Grids sector
• Develop a systematic, replicable and scalable methodology to achieve and continuously update those skills
• Provide a sustainable action plan (strategy or Blueprint) to keep applying the methodology beyond the scope of the project. SG-SKILL is aligned with the Large-Scale Partnership on Digitalisation of the Energy System, launched in 2023 under the Pact for Skills, and built on the results of the Erasmus+ project EDDIE.

When it comes to the research part:

This PostDoc project explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can be leveraged to optimize energy portfolios for local energy communities, balancing profitability, risk exposure, and behavioural acceptance in dynamic electricity markets. As renewable generation and prosumer participation grow, communities face increasing complexity in managing distributed assets, market participation, and social acceptance.

The main research objectives of this project are to:

• Develop AI-based models for multi-objective portfolio optimization or multi-layer optimization, integrating technical, financial, and behavioural dimensions.
• Quantify and manage risk and uncertainty in market participation, including price volatility and renewables variability.
• Investigate how behavioural factors—such as fairness, trust, and willingness to adopt AI-based decisions—influence community participation.
• Evaluate the impact of AI-driven decision support on community-level outcomes under different market design scenarios.

The research will combine machine learning, stochastic optimization, and agent-based modelling with behavioural experiments. Case studies from emerging energy communities or pilot projects will be used to validate the developed framework. The project is expected to deliver an integrated AI-based decision framework that enables energy communities to navigate the trade-offs between economic efficiency, risk resilience, and social acceptance—supporting a just and sustainable energy transition.

The position is supervised by Dr. ir Christina Papadimitriou, Dr. Nikolaos Paterakis, and Prof. Dr. Valentin Robu.

Job Requirements

• An already acquired Phd in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a relevant field
• Affinity for formal and simulation models, as well as algorithmic solutions to problems of practical interest, ideally with a focus on Intelligent Energy Systems. This should be demonstrated by a relevant MSc thesis or publications.
• Familiarity with good software engineering practices and Python programming skills is an advantage.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with partners.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (at least C1 level).
• Candidates must have a research-oriented attitude but also be keen on academic teaching and looking forward to academic perspectives in their future career, as they are expected to devote 20% of their time to teaching related activities from SG-SKILL project.
  
  

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for 18 months, with an extension potential. Preferred starting date within March 2026. 
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,241 max. € 5,538).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Dr. Christina Papadimitriou c.papadimitriou@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.ee@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• List of up to five self-selected ‘best publications’.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.