PhD Thesis “AI-based Algorithms for Flexible Energy Systems”

We are Austria’s largest research and technology organisation and an international player in applied research for innovative infrastructure solutions. This makes us a powerful development partner for industry and a top employer in the scientific community. Our Center for Energy in Vienna invites for applications for a:

PhD Thesis “AI-based Algorithms for Flexible Energy Systems”

- Center for Energy -

• As part of our AIT’s mission to develop sustainable, innovative solutions for the major challenges of our time, digitisation and climate change, our Center for Energy has launched the AI research in energy systems planning and operations’ programme with the prestigious TU Delft - As energy systems undergo rapid transformation and grid operators are faced with significant challenges, our common, crucial goal is to secure a smooth and reliable transition to a renewable and stable grid.
• Our AIT PhD programme with around 150 international students is carried out in cooperation with renowned universities and offers you the opportunity to conduct your dissertation in collaboration with our research experts and our national and international project partners from the industry or other research organisations.
• How does this work?
  • While working in Vienna as part of our “Integrated Energy Systems” research team you will be supervised by our interdisciplinary scientists and will also benefit from an exceptional opportunity to learn at TU Delft and to closely collaborate with researchers from the Research Group of the Delft AI Energy Lab.
  • You will travel to TU Delft around twice a year for courses and trainings and of course to share ideas and discuss your research study with your fellow-researchers.

• Throughout this PhD thesis, you will conduct in-depth research and develop novel AI-based algorithms aimed at optimizing energy systems tools.
• While interacting with various actors from the energy field, your research focus will encompass a wide range of aspects, from ensuring grid stability in mere seconds to effectively integrating renewable energy sources.
• You will research and gain a profound understanding of the latest machine learning techniques - You will then apply and modify these techniques to tackle integration related challenges, thereby contributing to the advancement of smarter grid operation and planning.
• You will build verification test beds and will discuss your results both with our AIT researchers and with the Principal Research Group of Delft AI Energy Lab.

• You will obtain a PhD degree from one of the most renowned technical universities in Europe.
• By working in our Center for Energy you will benefit from our mass of aggregator and operator data, and highly experienced modellers.
• You will grow in a unique environment in which you will combine academic and industrial research and work closely with major grid operators as well as leading energy producers – This will allow you to accumulate experience in the energy systems field and thus become an expert in exploring complex energy markets and grids.

Your qualification as an Ingenious Partner

• Master’s degree in the field of Machine Learning, Robotics, Control Systems, Power / Energy Systems, Electrical Engineering, Operations Research or another relevant subject
• Demonstrable competence in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Science / Data Science, Machine Learning, Energy Systems modelling, Dynamic Systems, Power Systems or similar
• Excellent modelling skills as well as programming skills (e.g., Python, Julia, MATLAB)
• Interest in analytical and scientific writing (Previous experience with scientific writing would be a plus)
• High level of commitment and team spirit
• Good command of verbal and written English, as you will be working in an international environment

What to expect:
EUR 34.507,20 gross per year, for 30 hours / week, plus additional company benefits. You will be part of our international AIT PhD community and participate in our AIT PhD framework program. As a research institution, we are familiar with the supervision and execution of PhD theses, and we are looking forward to supporting you!

At AIT, the promotion of diversity is important to us - that's why we are especially looking forward to applications from female candidates!

Please submit your document online.
Your documents should include your CV, cover letter (ideally one page, including a brief introduction of yourself, an explanation how your previous studies and experience have prepared you for this PhD position, and a motivation why you are interested in this specific position), your certificates (copies of your BSc. And MSc. Transcript of records) and full contact data of at least three relevant references (we will not contact references without your consent).

TOMORROW TODAY - WITH YOU?