PhD in Scalable and Intelligent Control of Multi-Carrier Energy Hubs Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

This PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology offers an exciting opportunity to advance scalable and intelligent control architectures for multi-carrier energy hubs within the BACH project, a real-life demonstration on the TU/e campus. The research focuses on developing theoretically grounded and computationally scalable Model Predictive Control (MPC) architectures for complex energy networks that integrate electricity, heat, gas, storage, and electric mobility. These systems are characterized by high-dimensional state spaces, strong interconnections, multi-timescale dynamics, mixed-integer operational decisions, and market-driven economic objectives.

The project aims to design multi-layer control hierarchies, separating regulatory control, supervisory MPC, and real-time economic optimization. You will analyze stability, recursive feasibility, and closed-loop performance under hierarchical coordination, and develop distributed and decentralized MPC formulations using primal and dual decomposition methods. The research will also establish convergence guarantees and communication-efficient coordination mechanisms, applying graph-theoretic and network-based decomposition methods for control-relevant system partitioning. Computational complexity and scalability analysis for real-time feasibility are integral to the project.

The research combines constrained optimal control, nonlinear and hybrid systems, large-scale optimization, network science, and energy system modeling. Results are expected to lead to high-quality publications in leading control and optimization journals. The Department of Electrical Engineering at TU/e is renowned for its application-oriented research, high complexity, and synergy between multiple facets of the field, with strong connections to high-tech industry and international partnerships.

Applicants should have a master’s degree in Systems & Control, Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field. Strong analytical and mathematical skills, programming experience (Python, MATLAB, Julia, or similar), and a research-oriented attitude are required. The ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and collaborate with industrial partners is essential. Motivation to develop teaching skills and support BSc/MSc students is desired. Fluent spoken and written English at C1 level is mandatory.

The position offers full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. Salary is in scale P (€3,059–€3,881/month), with a year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. Additional benefits include a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave, commuting and home working allowances, and a tax compensation scheme (30% facility) for international candidates. TU/e provides high-quality training programs, excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus childcare and sports facilities, and unlimited access to the Student Sports Center.

To apply, submit your application online via the provided link, including a cover letter, CV with publications, and contact information for three references. Applications sent by email or post will not be processed. The vacancy will remain open until filled, with priority given to complete applications. For further information, contact the hiring manager Leyla Özkan at [email protected] or [email protected].