Postdoc position in power systems engineering and optimization Université Catholique de Louvain in Belgium

Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) is offering a three-year postdoctoral research position in power systems engineering and optimization, starting in October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is part of the interdisciplinary ARC project CoFlex, funded by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, which focuses on coordinated flexibility in electricity systems. The project brings together researchers from operations research, power systems engineering, and economics to design and evaluate coordination schemes for inverter-based resources in distribution grids with high penetration of renewable energy. The aim is to develop scalable, incentive-compatible market designs that integrate network constraints and promote efficient use of flexibility at the distribution level.

The postdoc will be hosted jointly by the Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering (IMMC) and the Louvain Institute of Data Analysis and Modeling in Economics and Statistics (LIDAM). IMMC is a leading research institute within UCLouvain’s school of engineering, covering domains such as dynamical and electromechanical systems, energy, mechanics, and computational engineering. LIDAM brings together expertise in economics, econometrics, statistics, and operations research. Both institutes provide an active research environment with regular seminars, workshops, and international collaborations.

The successful candidate will conduct independent and collaborative research in power systems engineering and mathematical optimization, supervised by Dr. Emmanuel De Jaeger (IMMC), Dr. Quentin Lété (LIDAM), and Dr. Bert Willems (LIDAM). Responsibilities include developing original research questions, performing theoretical and numerical analyses, presenting findings at international conferences and seminars, coordinating research activities within the ARC project, and contributing to teaching, supervision, or dissemination related to the project. The position offers a competitive salary and a substantial functioning budget, with frequent opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with industrial stakeholders such as ORES and N-SIDE.

Applicants must have a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Operations Research, or a closely related field, with demonstrated interests in power systems and mathematical optimization. Experience with power systems simulation and control, optimization models, and energy markets is required. Candidates should be able to work independently and collaboratively in an international research environment and must be proficient in English (written and spoken).

To apply, submit your application in English as a single PDF file named Lastname_Firstname.pdf via the online form. The application should include a motivation letter (max. 1 page), CV (with expected PhD completion date if applicable), master’s transcripts and degree certificates (if available), one writing sample (e.g., research paper), and names/contact details of up to two academic referees. Applications received by 31 May 2026 will receive full consideration. The final deadline is 15 June 2026. For further information, contact Dr. Emmanuel De Jaeger, Dr. Quentin Lété, or Dr. Bert Willems by email.

For more details and to apply, visit the application form or the position page.