This PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology focuses on developing a resilience-oriented operational framework for multi-commodity Positive Energy Districts (PEDs), which are urban areas designed to produce more energy than they consume annually. The research is part of the EmPowerED project, a large-scale, nationally funded initiative involving 38 partners, including universities, research institutes, municipalities, energy communities, distribution system operators, and technology providers. The project aims to deliver scalable, integrated systems for carbon-neutral heating tailored to local PED contexts. The PhD will be embedded in the Electrical Energy Systems (EES) group, which is internationally recognized for its research in intelligent energy systems, including digital power and energy systems, electricity market design, and AI-driven optimization. The candidate will work in a collaborative environment with strong industry ties and access to cutting-edge labs and infrastructure. The research will address the complexity of PED operations, which involve multiple energy vectors (electricity, heating, gas, water) and require real-time coordination among distributed assets. The main goal is to develop a comprehensive resilience assessment framework for PEDs, design multi-layered operational strategies integrating resilience metrics, and model and simulate PED behavior under various disruption scenarios. The work will involve creating and analyzing scenarios for each energy commodity, studying interdependencies, and maintaining energy positivity. The project will also include developing digital twins of PEDs, integrating real data, and applying AI models for predictive resilience assessment. The outcomes are expected to be validated through case studies and potentially integrated into commercial solutions for end users. The position offers full-time employment for four years, competitive salary and benefits, and opportunities for professional development, teaching, and collaboration with a diverse network of partners. Applicants should have a strong background in multi-energy systems, electrical power systems, or district heating, with skills in modelling, optimization, scientific programming, and interdisciplinary teamwork. The application process is online, and candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter, CV, and references. The position is supervised by Dr.ir. Nilufar Neyestani and Prof.dr. J.K. Kok.

This PhD position is part of the EmPowerED project, a large-scale national initiative funded by NWO, focused on enabling Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) through citizen-centered socio-technical models for upscaling the heat transition. The research is embedded within the Intelligent Energy Systems (IES) program of the Electrical Energy Systems (EES) group at Eindhoven University of Technology, which conducts cutting-edge research on the operation and planning of future sustainable energy systems. The EES group is internationally recognized and collaborates closely with industry, municipalities, energy communities, and technology providers. The project addresses the increasing complexity of PED operations due to the integration of multiple energy vectors (electricity, heating, gas, water), variability of renewables, and the need for real-time coordination among distributed assets. The PhD will focus on developing a resilience-oriented operational framework for multi-commodity PEDs, addressing both steady-state optimization and dynamic response to disruptions such as grid outages, extreme weather, or cyber-physical attacks. Key objectives include: developing a comprehensive resilience assessment framework tailored to PEDs, designing multi-layered operational strategies that integrate resilience metrics into district-level energy management systems, modelling and simulating PED behavior under various disruption scenarios, and validating approaches through case studies. The research will involve creating and analyzing scenarios for each energy commodity and their interdependencies, incorporating new technologies in district heating, and establishing resilience indicators. The project will utilize digital twins, AI models for predictive resilience assessment, and optimization techniques. The outcomes are expected to be integrated into commercial solutions for end users. The position offers opportunities for collaboration with a network of 38 partners, including universities, research institutes, and industry. Supervision is provided by Dr.ir. N. Neyestani and Prof.dr. J.K. Kok. Applicants should have a strong background in energy systems modelling, simulation, and research software development, with experience in distributed control, optimization, and AI methods. The position is based in the Netherlands at Eindhoven University of Technology.