PhD Positions in Smart PV Inverter Control and Power Systems at Aalto University Aalto University in Finland

Two fully funded PhD positions are available at Aalto University, Finland, within a Horizon Europe project focused on next-generation smart photovoltaic (PV) inverters for future power systems. The research will be conducted in the School of Electrical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, and is closely aligned with the integration of renewable energy and advanced power electronics in modern grids.

The successful candidates will work on advanced inverter control, digital twin–based system integration, and large-scale virtual and real-time validation of grid-connected power electronic systems. Research topics include grid-support functions such as synthetic inertia, fast frequency and voltage support, service-oriented control architectures, and the integration of inverter control and energy management systems into digital twin platforms for real-time monitoring, simulation, and predictive analysis. System-level validation will use real-time simulation and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) techniques, including Controller-HIL and Power-HIL, as well as virtual upscaling studies of PV-dominated power systems to assess stability, interoperability, and scalability under high renewable penetration.

Applicants should have a strong background in control of grid-connected converters and inverter-based resources, or in modelling and simulation of power electronics–based conversion systems. Experience or strong interest in MATLAB/Simulink, real-time control and simulation platforms (such as dSPACE, OPAL-RT, Typhoon HIL), digital twins, co-simulation, cyber-physical energy systems, programming skills (C/C++, Python), and embedded control implementation is highly desirable. Candidates must be eligible for doctoral studies at Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering.

The positions are fully funded for four years (2+2), with a starting salary of 3075 EUR/month, and offer the opportunity to work in a high-impact European research project with leading academic and industrial partners. The research environment is international and diverse, with access to state-of-the-art laboratories for real-time simulation and power electronics, and excellent supervision. The application deadline is 28 February 2026, and the positions are expected to start in May 2026 or as mutually agreed.

To apply, submit your application through the Aalto University recruitment site, including your CV with referees and copies of your academic transcripts and diplomas in PDF format. For more information, contact Professor Edris Pouresmaeil ([email protected]) or HR Advisor Johanna Haapalainen ([email protected]). For details on the doctoral program and admission criteria, visit the Aalto University website.

Keywords: PV inverter control, power electronics, digital twin, grid-connected systems, renewable integration, real-time simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, energy management systems, power system dynamics, electrical engineering.