This PhD position at RWTH Aachen University offers an exciting opportunity to advance the future of power system security and grid resilience by leveraging exascale computing. The research focuses on understanding and enhancing the resilience of electrical grids under extreme scenarios, such as multiple faults, high shares of renewable energy, and equipment failures. You will conduct security and resilience studies for highly stressed power systems, evaluate system vulnerabilities, and design recovery and stability strategies using large-scale simulation workflows. Key responsibilities include building and expanding realistic, continent-scale power system models (such as the European transmission grid), implementing and testing GPU-capable, parallelized simulation frameworks, and collaborating with experts in high-performance computing and power systems to improve scalability and computational performance. The position also involves disseminating research findings through scientific publications, conferences, and collaborations, as well as supervising Bachelor’s and Master’s students and representing the institute in national and international research contexts. Applicants should possess an excellent Master’s degree in electrical engineering, computational engineering, or a related discipline, with a strong foundation in power system modelling and simulation. Solid programming skills in Python, C++, or similar languages are required, along with an interest in high-performance computing and numerical simulation. Fluency in written and spoken English, as well as an independent, analytical, and team-oriented working style, are essential. The successful candidate will join a diverse and supportive research group at one of Europe’s leading research centers, working on cutting-edge energy system models to develop solutions for Europe’s energy system decarbonization. You will have access to world-class infrastructure, including the Jülich Supercomputing Centre, and benefit from professional development opportunities through JuDocS, targeted services for international employees, and strong support for building a career in academia or industry. The position is offered for a fixed term of 3.5 years, with the first 6 months serving as an orientation and probation period. Compensation is in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund), plus 60% of a monthly salary as a special payment (Christmas bonus). Additional benefits include 30 days of annual leave, flexible working arrangements (including partial remote work), and a collaborative working atmosphere at Forschungszentrum Jülich. The institution values diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from candidates of all backgrounds. For further details on doctoral degrees, benefits, and diversity initiatives, please refer to the provided links. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online and contact the institution for more information if needed.

This PhD position at RWTH Aachen University, in collaboration with Forschungszentrum Jülich, focuses on the simulation and optimization of Local Energy Communities (LECs)—innovative systems where local actors collectively manage and share energy. Recognized by the EU as a key element of the Clean Energy Transition, LECs are designed to empower communities to participate in energy markets, support renewable energy integration, and enhance system flexibility. As a doctoral researcher, you will develop and apply advanced simulation and optimization models to analyze energy flows, operational strategies, and design decisions in multi-energy systems (including power, gas, and heat). The project involves investigating various community configurations (residential, commercial, mixed-use) and their interactions with distribution grids. You will assess the impact of renewable energy integration, storage technologies, and demand flexibility on system performance, and evaluate economic and environmental indicators such as cost, emissions, self-sufficiency, and flexibility under different policy scenarios. Your work will also include analyzing the interfaces between local energy communities and regional or higher-level grids to ensure stable operation and effective market participation. You will support real-world case studies with municipal and regional partners, bridging research and practical application. Dissemination of findings through scientific publications, conferences, and collaborations is expected, and you may supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s students. The position offers access to world-class infrastructure, including the Jülich Supercomputing Centre, and is embedded in a diverse and supportive research group. You will benefit from professional development opportunities through JuDocS, targeted services for international employees, and a collaborative working atmosphere. The contract is for 3.5 years, with the first 6 months as a probation period. Compensation follows the TVöD-Bund pay group 13 (75%) plus a special payment, with 30 days of annual leave and flexible working arrangements, including partial remote work. Applicants must have an excellent Master’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, strong mathematical skills, experience in energy systems modeling, and proficiency in programming (Python, Matlab, C, C++). Fluency in English, analytical ability, independence, teamwork, and motivation for the energy transition are essential. The institution values diversity and equal opportunities, welcoming candidates from all backgrounds. For more information and to apply, visit the official job posting. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the decarbonization of Europe’s energy system and advance your career in academia or industry.

This PhD position at RWTH Aachen University offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the stability and dynamic behaviour of inverter-based power systems, leveraging state-of-the-art supercomputing infrastructure. The research focuses on developing scalable methods to simulate and secure grids dominated by inverter-based resources (IBRs), a critical area for the future of energy systems and the transition to renewable energy. As a doctoral researcher, you will conduct large-scale simulations to analyze grid stability, fault propagation, and recovery dynamics. You will work with high-resolution time-domain models to study control and protection strategies, and develop dynamic models for both grid-forming and grid-following inverters. The project involves implementing and optimizing scalable algorithms for transient and stability analyses on high-performance computing (HPC) architectures, including CPU, GPU, and hybrid systems. Enhancing the numerical robustness and efficiency of existing simulation frameworks is a key aspect of the work. You will be part of a diverse and supportive research group, collaborating on interdisciplinary projects and disseminating your findings through scientific publications, conferences, and collaborations. The position also includes mentoring Bachelor’s and Master’s students and contributing to the group’s collaborative research efforts. Applicants should have an excellent Master’s degree in electrical engineering, a strong mathematical and algorithmic background, and programming experience in languages such as Python and C++. Familiarity with parallel programming frameworks (e.g., MPI, CUDA) is required, along with fluency in English and strong analytical, teamwork, and communication skills. The ideal candidate is independent, motivated, and passionate about shaping the energy transition. The offer includes a fixed-term contract for 3.5 years, with the first 6 months as an orientation and probation period. Compensation is in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund), plus a 60% monthly salary as a special payment (Christmas bonus). You will benefit from 30 days of annual leave, flexible working arrangements (including partial remote work), and strong support for professional development through JuDocS, including training courses, networking, and structured continuing education. Targeted services for international employees and a diverse, inclusive working environment are also provided. Research will be conducted in collaboration with the Jülich Supercomputing Centre, offering access to world-class infrastructure and resources. The position is supervised by Professor Benigni, and you will have opportunities to participate in projects, meetings, and international conferences, building a strong foundation for a career in academia or industry. For more information and to apply, visit the official job posting: Application Link . Additional details about doctoral degrees, benefits, and diversity initiatives at Forschungszentrum Jülich are available through the provided links.