PhD in Smart Reactive Power Control for Future Power Grids

Introduction

Join SPARC as a PhD researcher! Develop probabilistic forecasting, optimization, and real-time control for smart reactive power management in future power grids. Collaborate with TU/e and TUM to enhance grid resilience and renewable energy integration. Work at the intersection of power systems, control, optimization, and machine learning.

Job Description

Are you our next PhD researcher in exploring cutting-edge probabilistic forecasting, optimization, and real-time control for smart reactive power management in future power grids?

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD candidate to join the SPARC – Smart Provision of Ancillary Reactive Power Control project, a collaborative research initiative between TU/e (Eindhoven, Netherlands) and TUM (Munich, Germany). This project aims to revolutionize reactive power management in modern power systems by developing advanced probabilistic forecasting models, integrated optimization frameworks, and real-time control architectures. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of electrical power system dynamics, control, optimization, and machine learning, with a focus on enhancing grid resilience and enabling the integration of renewable energy.

The SPARC project addresses the pressing challenge of managing reactive power flows at the transmission-distribution (T-D) interface in power systems with high penetration of renewable energy and power electronics. The PhD candidate will contribute to:

• Developing probabilistic forecasting models for reactive power availability, leveraging machine learning and real-time data.
• Designing an integrated optimization framework for ancillary service coordination, considering grid constraints and market dynamics.
• Creating real-time control architectures for seamless TSO-DSO interaction, validated through Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) simulations.
• Collaborating with grid operators like Enexis to ensure practical relevance and impact.

The PhD candidate will spend at least six months at TUM to leverage complementary expertise and facilities, fostering cross-institutional collaboration.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in MSc degree related to Electrical Energy Systems, Electrical Engineering or Sustainable Energy Technology.
• Technical skills and knowledge:
  • Strong background in power systems, control theory, optimization, or machine learning.
  • Experience with programming (Python, MATLAB, or similar) and data analysis.
  • Familiarity with power system simulation tools (e.g., PSCAD, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, or OpenDSS) is a plus.
  • Knowledge of stochastic optimization, real-time control, or PHIL simulations is advantageous. Experience with lab experiments and Opal-RT/RTDS is highly appreciated.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).
  
  

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 four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

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 Niels Blaauwbroek, Assistant Professor, n.blaauwbroek@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.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

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 by 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.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. 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.