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Delft University of Technology

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PhD in Future Energy Infrastructure Planning Under Uncertainty Delft University of Technology in Netherlands

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

TU Delft and Stedin jointly fund this PhD position. The appointment is for 4 years in principle, via an initial 1.5-year contract followed by a 2.5-year contract if performance is satisfactory. Salary is €3204–€4051 gross per month based on full-time employment, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Health insurance discounts and a monthly work costs contribution are offered.

Deadline

Oct 8, 2026

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Country

Netherlands

University

Delft University of Technology

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Keywords

Computer Science
Environmental Science
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Horticulture
Mathematics
Artificial Intelligence
Uncertainty Analysis
Optimisation
Physics
Renewable Energy Systems

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About this position

PhD opportunity at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in collaboration with Stedin

This PhD focuses on future energy infrastructure planning under uncertainty, with a strong emphasis on energy system modelling, grid planning, optimization, and socio-technical transitions. The project addresses urgent challenges faced by grid operators such as Stedin, who must make near-term investment decisions for a carbon-neutral, robust, cost-effective, and socially acceptable energy system.

The research will use the Dutch greenhouse horticulture sector as a key case study. You will investigate how plausible socio-economic developments affect energy demand, how local infrastructure may evolve across carriers such as heat, hydrogen, and green methane, and how alternative flexibility options compare with grid reinforcements. The project aims to develop methods and tools that help operators prioritize investments and adapt strategies as uncertainty unfolds over time.

You will build on open-source energy system modelling frameworks and Modelling to Generate Alternatives (MGA) under uncertainty, and combine them with techniques from AI and related fields to improve computation and produce robust, actionable insights.

The position is jointly funded by TU Delft and Stedin. You will work with researchers at TU Delft, including Francesco Lombardi in the Energy & Industry section, and with system strategists at Stedin. The role includes spending one day per week at Stedin’s Rotterdam premises.

Eligibility highlights: a master’s degree in engineering, physics, or a related discipline; strong quantitative and analytical skills; excellent English and Dutch; programming experience in Python or similar is a plus; experience with tools such as PyPSA, Calliope, or Tulipa is advantageous.

Funding and conditions: 4-year PhD employment, salary from €3204 to €4051 gross per month, plus holiday allowance and end-of-year bonus. TU Delft also offers health insurance discounts and a monthly work costs contribution.

Deadline: 8 October 2026. Apply online and upload a motivation statement and CV. Shortlisted candidates will be asked for two referees.

Funding details

TU Delft and Stedin jointly fund this PhD position. The appointment is for 4 years in principle, via an initial 1.5-year contract followed by a 2.5-year contract if performance is satisfactory. Salary is €3204–€4051 gross per month based on full-time employment, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Health insurance discounts and a monthly work costs contribution are offered.

What's required

Master’s degree in engineering (e.g. CoSEM, SET, Electrical Engineering) or physics or another related discipline by the agreed starting date; strong quantitative and analytical skills; very good written and spoken English; very good written and spoken Dutch. Bonus points for Python or similar programming experience, knowledge of open-source energy system modelling frameworks (e.g. PyPSA, Calliope, Tulipa), knowledge of the Dutch power system, courses in optimisation or energy system modelling, and prior research experience in energy system modelling or related energy research.

How to apply

Apply online via the application button no later than 8 October 2026. Upload a motivation statement with your main research interests and a CV including three impactful achievements. If shortlisted, provide contact details of two referees.

More information can be found here

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