The Austrian Institute of Technology is Austria's largest research and technology organisation for applied research. We are dedicated to make substantial contributions to solving the major challenges of our time, climate change and digitisation. To achieve our goals, we rely on our specific research, development and technology competencies, which are the basis of our commitment to excellence in all areas. With our open culture of innovation and our motivated, international teams, we are working to position AIT as Austria's leading research institution at the highest international level and to make a positive contribution to the economy and society.
At the Center for Energy we are committed to creating cutting-edge solutions for tomorrow's energy challenges – Our topic portfolio is based on three central areas: Public Energy Supply Systems, Industrial Processes and Cities & Built Environment.
Together with the Research Areas Energy Systems and Energy Economics at the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) and the Austrian Power Grid (APG) we are launching the joint PhD program “Power System Security 2030+”. In this unique program, 6 PhD candidates will work together for four years on solutions for a secure power supply during and after the energy transition has been completed.
As a PhD candidate you will be part of our “Integrated Energy Systems” team and your PhD thesis will be supervised by Professor Bernd Klöckl, Research Area Energy Systems and Grids, Vienna University of Technology. Your PhD's goal will be to analyse the current and future power balance, develop novel methods and solutions, and derive actionable scientific outcomes embedded into the overall energy transition.
PhD Thesis “System Adequacy 2030+”
CENTER FOR ENERGY
- You will examine the existing methods of probabilistic power balance and work on structurally improving them by applying beyond-state-of-the-art approaches – especially with a view on the fully decarbonized energy system of the future.
- You will delve into the relationships between generation and transmission adequacy,and propose substantial methodological improvements that allow merging both concepts on all time scales, from day-ahead operation to consistent long-term planning.
- You will develop procedural steps for securing the power balance and test them for their practical suitability using detailed computational models of the electrical energy system.
- The results derived from your innovations will contribute to analysing and safeguarding the power balance during and after the energy transition, further facilitating the connection between long-term planning of generation and transmission assets (and infrastructure), especially in connection with continental market coupling.
Your qualifications as an Ingenious Partner:
- A successfully completed university degree (MSc.) in a relevant technical or scientific subject for e.g. Electrical Engineering, (Renewable) Energy Technologies, Informatics, Mathematics, Data Science
- A high intrinsic interest in data driven research and computational approaches
- Familiarity and experience with programming languages, e.g., Python, Julia, MATLAB, or R; proficiency in any of these is an asset
- A background in electrical engineering, renewable energy technologies, or a related field of research is an asset
- Good understanding of European energy markets, national system operations in the electricity grid, resource adequacy related topics, or general energy system modelling will set you apart from other candidates
- Willingness to publish in scientific journals and present research results at international conferences
- Very good English language and presentation skills are essential, German language skills are an asset
Why should you join us:
- Join a diverse team, that values your unique perspective and encourages innovation.
- Be part of the interdisciplinary joint PhD program “Power System Security 2030+” that brings together AIT’s experts, PhD candidates from TU Wien, and specialists from the Austrian Power Grid AG to analyse potential issues and develop holistic solutions for future power systems. Together, we will build upon the current status of the electricity grid, consider diverse aspects of security of supply, and focus on Austria as part of an interconnected and integrated European energy system.
- Enjoy working and living in Vienna, which is claimed to be the world’s most liveable city!
What to expect:
- Start date: as soon as possible, ideally from November 2024
- EUR 2.684,10 gross per month (14 times / year), for 30 h / week.
- In addition to AIT’s excellent research infrastructure, numerous trainings in scientific work for your personal and professional development, you will benefit from you own AIT-supervisor, mentorship opportunities, supportive colleagues and last but not least, you will be part of our AIT PhD community with around 150 international students.
At AIT we have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. This is why we strive to inspire women to join our teams.
We welcome applications from women, who will be given preference in case of equal qualifications after taking into account all relevant facts and circumstances of all applications.
Please submit your application documents including your CV, cover letter and certificates online:
Tomorrow Today - with You?
