PhD in AI-driven Fair Energy Curtailment Policies Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

This PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology focuses on developing AI-driven, fair energy curtailment policies for distributed energy resources (DERs) in electricity networks. The project addresses the urgent challenge of managing grid congestion as renewable energy sources like rooftop photovoltaics, heat pumps, and electric vehicles proliferate. The aim is to design scalable, interpretable control algorithms that embed fairness directly into energy allocation decisions, ensuring stable, efficient, and equitable operation of local electricity networks.

As a PhD candidate, you will advance fundamental science at the intersection of electrical power engineering, control systems, machine learning, and sociotechnical design. Key research tasks include reviewing literature on congestion management, analyzing distributed optimization methods (such as consensus-based and ADMM-type algorithms), developing probabilistic curtailment policies grounded in fairness theory, and designing distributed controllers that integrate fairness constraints. You will model uncertainty in renewable generation, evaluate the robustness of control policies under forecasting errors and communication delays, and implement multi-agent coordination mechanisms for DERs.

The project is part of the "Responsible AI for Fair and Efficient Control of Energy Systems (RAICES)" initiative, offering opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with experts in responsible AI, energy systems, and distributed control. You will be embedded in the Control Systems group at TU/e, contributing to research on intelligent and responsible control of networked systems. The work involves simulating large-scale distribution networks using realistic feeder models and open datasets, validating methods on real-world data from Dutch distribution system operators, and aligning algorithmic design with practical grid constraints.

Applicants should have a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics, or be nearing completion of their MSc in these fields. A research-oriented attitude, curiosity, interdisciplinary teamwork skills, motivation to develop teaching abilities, and fluency in English (C1 level) are required. The position offers full-time employment for four years, with a competitive salary (scale P: €3,059–€3,881/month), year-end bonus, vacation pay, pension scheme, paid parental leave, and additional allowances for commuting, working from home, and internet costs. International candidates benefit from a Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (30% facility).

Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international institution located in Brainport Eindhoven, a world-class tech region. The Department of Electrical Engineering is committed to advancing knowledge in energy conversion, telecommunication, and electrical signal processing, with strong ties to high-tech industry and a focus on socially relevant issues. The university offers a vibrant academic community, excellent technical infrastructure, and high-quality training programs to support your development as an autonomous scientific researcher.

To apply, submit your application online via the provided link, including a cover letter, CV with publications and references, and a copy of your MSc thesis (or a summary if not in English). The vacancy remains open until filled, with a deadline of July 8, 2026. Please note that applications sent by email or post will not be processed, and a pre-employment screening may be part of the selection procedure.