Strategic PhD scholarship in AI-Based Dynamic Blackout Anticipation Methods for Future Power Systems – DTU Wind

Are you passionate about revolutionizing power systems with AI and digital twin technology? We seek a highly motivated PhD student to join our dynamic team at DTU. This is your opportunity to work on groundbreaking research to enhance future power systems' resilience and efficiency. By joining us, you will gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art tools and methodologies, collaborate with leading experts in the field, and contribute to innovative solutions that address real-world challenges.

We look for a talented, self-motivated, and team-oriented individual who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys tackling complex topics. As a PhD student in our team, you will be part of a world-leading research environment and contribute to the development of next-generation AI-based tools for power systems. Your work will focus on developing dynamic blackout anticipation and prevention methods using a digital twin of future power systems. This involves developing AI-based dynamic security assessment tools  to enhance decision-making and control processes, collaborating on employing a digital twin  of an actual power system, the Bornholm Energy Island, and innovating solutions  to improve power system resilience.

By joining us, you will not only advance your professional skills but also play a crucial role in pioneering research that supports a sustainable transition in the power sector. This project is funded by DTU Strategic PhD scholarship, through collaboration between the Division for Power and Energy Systems at the Wind and Energy Systems Department and the Section for Dynamical Systems at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science. As such, you will enjoy the benefits of having contact with two leading departments.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all genders and backgrounds.

Responsibilities
You will be part of a vibrant working environment with a pleasant team atmosphere where you will have the opportunity to grow and develop your academic, industry, and personal skills. Besides cutting-edge research, PhD students participate in international research projects, collaborate with industry, assist in teaching courses, and co-supervise BSc and MSc students, allowing them to develop the necessary skills for the next steps in their career.

Qualifications
We are looking for candidates with diverse backgrounds to join our team. Graduates with a background in engineering, mathematics, computer science, computer engineering, physics, sustainable energy, and any related discipline are encouraged to apply. 

You are expected to conduct high-quality research on the intersection of machine learning, data science, power system simulation, and sequential decision-making, both from a theoretical/analytical point of view and coding. 

We seek self-motivated, team-oriented persons who thrive collaboratively and enjoy working with complex topics. 

A successful candidate will have a solid background in three or more of the following points: 

• Machine learning techniques, statistics, and probabilities
• Methodologies for decision-making under uncertainty (e.g. Stochastic/Robust Optimization, Dynamic Programming, Reinforcement Learning)
• Power system dynamics and stability
• Power system operation
• Programming tools such as Python, Julia, Pytorch, etc.
• Power system simulation software such as Powerfactory and PSCAD 

Furthermore, a successful candidate has

• Excellent use of the English language 
• Willingness to work in a team-oriented environment
• Good ability to present results in oral presentations and prepare scientific papers for publication in international journals

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment  
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

Assessment                         
The assessment of the candidates will be based on the material they submit and one or two stages of interview, online and/or in person. During one of the two stages, the candidates will be asked to review a paper sent to them, describing its strengths, weaknesses, and potential for future extensions. 

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years. 

The position is immediately available, and the starting date is flexible depending on the visa and application process and the selected candidate’s availability. The position is full-time.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Assistant Professor Johanna Vorwerk, Email: [email protected] , Section for Power Systems. 

The following persons will be involved in the project and may be contacted in case Johanna is unavailable: 

• Assistant Professor Georgios Tsaousoglou, [email protected] , Section for Dynamical Systems
• Associate Professor Guangya Yang, [email protected] , Section for Power Systems.

You can read more about the Department of Wind and Energy Systems  at www.wind.dtu.dk and the Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science at www.compute.dtu.dk. 

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 28 February 2025 (23:59 Danish time) .

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English), including official description of grading scale
• A Research Statement (max. 700 words) where you outline a potential research direction that interests you. The research statement shall address the following three questions: (1) What – what is the topic you propose to research? (2) Why – why is it necessary to develop a solution (or a new solution, if one already exists) for this topic? (3) How – how do you plan to develop a solution for this topic (general research directions, not necessary to go into too much detail). The research topic you discuss is entirely up to you; it may or may not be related to the research topic of the position advertised.
• Contact details of two individuals who can provide a reference letter upon request.

You may apply before obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programs, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.