Frede Blaabjerg

The Faculty of Engineering and Science at Aalborg University (AAU Energy) invites applications for a fully funded PhD stipend within the general study program, starting from 1st June 2026 or soon after. This 3-year position is supported by the prestigious Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) grant as part of the WindConnect project, which focuses on wind farm control and integration in sector-coupled power systems. The WindConnect consortium brings together leading experts from academia and industry across Europe, addressing the challenges of integrating wind energy into power systems that include green hydrogen production, grid stability, flexibility, and sustainability. The research will explore the transition of power grids from conventional power plants to renewable energy sources, particularly wind turbine generators interfaced via power electronics converters. This shift reduces physical inertia and increases volatility in power grids, raising critical questions about grid stability and the risk of large-scale blackouts. The PhD project aims to develop wind turbine models with various control technologies, including simulation models for grid-following and grid-forming type-4 wind turbine generators, with or without energy storage systems. The main goal is to evaluate the grid-forming capability of wind turbine generators in different operating scenarios, with outcomes that may inform practical applications of grid-forming control technology in wind turbines. Applicants should have a strong academic background with a master’s degree or equivalent in Energy Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Control theory, or related fields. Skills in power electronics converters and control, wind turbine control, grid-connected converter control, motor drive, control engineering, and stability-related research are advantageous. Experience with engineering tools such as MATLAB, PLECS, PSCAD, and excellent English language skills are required. Candidates in the final phase of their master’s degree may apply but must complete the degree before starting. Additional requirements include not having lived in Denmark for more than 12 of the previous 36 months, less than four years’ full-time equivalent research experience, and not holding a doctoral degree. The position is based at AAU Energy in Aalborg, a dynamic and international research department with world-class facilities and a strong focus on clean and sustainable energy systems. The PhD student will be part of the "Power Electronic Control Reliability and System Optimization" research program and positioned in the section for "Applied Power Electronic Systems." The project offers competitive salaries (plus allowances), totaling approximately 5354 Euro / 40,000 DKK per month, funding for technical and personal skills training, participation in international research events, and opportunities for secondments and outreach activities. As part of the PhD study, students are required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, gain teaching or knowledge dissemination experience, and undertake an external research stay outside Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign institution. The employment terms follow the Danish AC collective agreement, with a mutual probationary period of 3 months. To apply, submit your application via Aalborg University’s recruitment system. The application must include a motivation letter, CV, diplomas (bachelor’s and master’s), publications (if applicable), and a project description (3-5 pages) merged into a single PDF. All documentation should be in English and adhere to the announcement’s guidelines. Applications not following the guidelines will not be considered. For questions, contact Professor Frede Blaabjerg or HR at AAU Energy. For more information about the WindConnect project, visit WindConnect Project . Apply directly at Aalborg University PhD Application Portal .

The Faculty of Engineering and Science at Aalborg University (AAU Energy) invites applications for a fully funded PhD stipend within the general study program, supported by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) grant as part of the WindConnect project. The position is open for appointments from 1st June 2026 or soon after, with a duration of three years. The WindConnect consortium brings together leading experts from academia and industry across Europe, focusing on wind farm control and integration in sector-coupled power systems, including green hydrogen production. The project addresses the challenges of integrating wind energy into power systems while ensuring grid stability, flexibility, and sustainability. As a PhD student, you will receive a competitive salary (plus allowances) totaling approximately 5354 Euro / 40,000 DKK per month. Additional funding is provided for technical and personal skills training, participation in international research events, and international secondments to other organizations within the network. You will develop both theoretical and applied work, maintaining close contact with real-world applications and participating in outreach activities beyond the research community. The research focuses on large-signal modelling and transient stability analysis of grid-forming (GFM) wind turbine generators under grid fault conditions, with particular emphasis on multi-machine system interactions. Key research questions include developing large-signal models to capture nonlinear fault dynamics and current limiting behavior, understanding interactions among multiple wind turbine generators during severe grid faults, and identifying dominant dynamic components for reduced-order models. The project aims to provide robust modelling and analysis tools to support control and protection design for future wind-dominated power systems. Collaboration with Ørsted is integral, and the PhD student will work closely with colleagues from Ørsted and participate in company visits. Applicants must have an excellent academic background with a master’s degree or equivalent in Energy Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Control theory, or a related discipline. Candidates in the final phase of their master’s degree are encouraged to apply but must complete the degree before starting. Additional requirements include not having lived in Denmark for more than 12 of the previous 36 months, less than four years’ full-time equivalent research experience, and not holding a doctoral degree. Skills in power electronics converters, control engineering, MATLAB, PLECS, PSCAD, and publications in international journals/conferences are advantageous. Excellent English language skills (oral and written), motivation, independence, teamwork, creativity, and openness are valued. The PhD stipend is allocated to individuals who hold a master’s degree and is normally for a period of three years. Enrollment as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science is required, in accordance with Danish regulations. The PhD study includes completion of courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, teaching or knowledge dissemination experience, and an external research stay outside Aalborg University (preferably 3-6 months at a foreign institution). AAU Energy is a dynamic and international research department, covering all areas of clean and sustainable energy systems within electrical, thermal, and mechatronic energy technology. The department is located in Aalborg and offers world-leading research and education, extensive workshop and laboratory facilities, and direct collaboration with industry. The position is offered in relation to the research program "Power Electronic Control Reliability and System Optimization," and the PhD student will be positioned in the section for "Applied Power Electronic Systems." To apply, submit your application via Aalborg University’s recruitment system. Required documents include a motivation letter, CV, diplomas, publications (if any), and a project description (3-5 pages) merged into a single PDF. All documentation must be in English and follow the announcement’s guidelines. Applications not meeting requirements will not be considered. The assessment process includes shortlisting and evaluation by qualified experts. For questions, contact Professor Frede Blaabjerg or HR at AAU Energy. For more information, visit the project page: WindConnect and the application portal: Apply here .

The Faculty of Engineering and Science at Aalborg University (AAU Energy) invites applications for one or more PhD stipends within the general study program, funded by the European Research Council (ERC) Synergy grant on Store-and-Forward Energy grid (SAFEr Grid). This innovative project aims to unlock a new power grid architecture, departing from traditional frequency-based stability metrics and focusing on energy routing between asynchronous grids (a-grids). The research is conducted in collaboration with RWTH Aachen, Germany, and is based at the Aalborg campus. The successful candidate will join the "Reliability of Power Electronic Converters" research group and be positioned in the section for “Applied Power Electronic Systems”. The project centers on the conceptualization and modelling of new local stability metrics for asynchronous grids, requiring the design of novel control structures that coordinate power electronics via internet-based cyber layers. Key research questions include ensuring local stability without frequency, managing control interactions between power electronics, and mitigating cyber-induced issues such as latency and packet drop-outs that may affect grid stability. Applicants should have a strong academic background with a master’s degree or equivalent in Energy Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Control theory, Cyber-physical systems, or related fields. Candidates in the final phase of their master’s degree may apply, provided the degree is completed before the fellowship begins. Essential competencies include a solid foundation in power systems, control theory, or power electronics, and an interest in interdisciplinary research involving communication networks and cyber-physical systems. Experience with modelling and simulation tools (MATLAB, PLECS, PSCAD) is advantageous, as is familiarity with distributed control and smart energy technologies. Strong English communication skills are required, both written and oral. The PhD stipend is for three years and includes salary and pension benefits, with a base salary starting at 31,242.75 DKK/month before taxes and an additional 18.07% for pension contributions. The final salary is negotiable based on qualifications and experience. Employment terms follow the AC collective agreement. The PhD program requires completion of courses (30 ECTS), teaching or knowledge dissemination, and an external research stay (preferably 3-6 months) at a foreign institution. AAU Energy is dedicated to clean and sustainable energy systems, offering access to advanced laboratory and workshop facilities and fostering an international, interdisciplinary research environment. The department values collegiality, inclusivity, and professional development, with support services for relocation and integration. English is the working language, facilitating easy integration for international colleagues. To apply, submit your application via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, including a motivation letter, CV, diplomas, and a 4-5 page project description outlining your initial ideas, state-of-the-art review, time schedule, and approach to the project objectives. Additional relevant documents may be attached. The application deadline is June 30, 2026, and interviews are expected to be held during June 2026. For professional inquiries, contact Associate Professor Subham Sahoo ([email protected]) or Professor Frede Blaabjerg ([email protected]). This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in power grid architecture and energy systems, supported by a prestigious ERC grant and a collaborative international environment.