PhD Opportunity in Energy System Studies (2 Positions) at the University of Oulu University of Oulu in Finland

University of Oulu is recruiting 2 fully funded PhD/doctoral researcher positions in Energy System Studies within the DSOFlex project (DSOs facilitating energy transition – the carbon handprint of flexibility).

The positions are hosted across two research environments: the Martti Ahtisaari Institute at the Oulu Business School and the Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit (WE3) at the Faculty of Technology. The project is carried out in collaboration with VTT and focuses on the role of Distribution System Operators (DSOs) in enabling a flexible, inclusive, and low-carbon energy transition.

Research areas / keywords: energy economics, renewable energy, energy technology, environmental engineering, strategic management, machine learning, business models, carbon handprint, demand-side management, flexibility services, power systems, sustainability.

Position 1: Business model framework — develop a holistic platform-based business model framework to analyse DSOs’ flexibility services and carbon handprint. This role is linked to business/management and sustainability research in the energy-system context.

Position 2: Carbon handprint — define and quantify the positive environmental impact of DSOs’ operations and services, including VRES integration, storage solutions, demand-side management, and flexibility services. This role also includes applying machine learning and optimization to improve DSM prediction accuracy and estimate carbon intensity of electricity.

Funding: fully funded for 3 years. Starting gross salary is approximately 2500–2800 EUR/month before taxes, with additional performance-based pay possible. The appointment is fixed-term and begins on 17.8.2026 or as agreed.

Eligibility highlights: applicants need a completed master’s degree before starting; Position 1 accepts business/management, environmental studies, or engineering backgrounds, while Position 2 requires energy or environmental engineering plus at least 30 ECTS in relevant subjects. Both require an initial research plan, motivation for doctoral studies, and fluent written/spoken English. Position 2 also asks for good understanding of power systems in Finland and strong IT skills.

Application deadline: 30 June 2026, 23:59 Finnish local time.

How to apply: submit the application in English via the University of Oulu recruitment portal. Include a motivation letter, CV with publications if any, an initial research plan, and contact details for two referees. In the motivation letter, describe your master’s studies, key courses/specialization, and GPA or equivalent.

Supervisors / contacts: Prof. Petri Ahokangas (Martti Ahtisaari Institute) and Prof. Eva Pongrácz (Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering).