PhD in Optimal Operation of Multicommodity Energy Systems from a Market and Grid Perspective

Introduction
Are you inspired by the challenge of grid congestion and renewable integration? This PhD position focuses on net-aware modeling and optimal operation of multicommodity energy systems within the BACH project, a real-life demonstration project on TU/e campus.

Job Description
The BACH (Brainport Approach for a Congestion-free Holland) project addresses the increasing congestion in Dutch electricity distribution grids caused by the rapid growth of renewable energy generation and increased electrification of energy demand. Due to limited grid capacity and long connection queues, customers can no longer get a new connection, or expansion of an existing connection, this holds for both demand and supply. A large share of renewable generation cannot be connected or must be curtailed.

BACH develops a data-driven and proactive approach to congestion mitigation by integrating electricity, heat and gas systems into a multicommodity energy system. The optimal operation of a multicommodity energy system is demonstrated on TU/e campus. The real-life project data and results will be enriched to make them applicable on a large scale. Using distribution grid data, customer profiles and energy transition scenario’s, the project identifies where storage and conversion technologies can be deployed most effectively in the future to relieve grid congestion and increase renewable energy integration.

A central element of BACH is the development of an open-architecture Multicommodity Energy Management System (MC-EMS) and associated impact analysis tools, which together enable grid-aware and market-aware operation of multicommodity energy hubs. The concepts and tools are validated in a real-life mirror location at the TU/e campus and designed for scalability towards regional and national application.

This PhD project focuses on the modeling and optimal operation of multicommodity energy systems under explicit distribution grid constraints. The research addresses how real grid congestion information can be systematically incorporated into system models and operational decision-making.

The PhD candidate will develop:

• Net-aware models of multicommodity energy systems that explicitly account for distribution grid constraints;
• Optimization-based operational strategies for multicommodity energy systems, from an economic (energy market) and grid perspective, coordinating storage, conversion and flexible demand across multiple energy carriers;
• Framework to assess the effectiveness of net-aware multi-commodity energy systems in a regional context, considering regional energy demand and supply as well as the future effects of the energy transition on changes in demand and supply.

The developed models and strategies will be validated using real grid data and real operational conditions, with the TU/e campus serving as a full-scale validation environment. The results of this research will contribute to scalable, congestion-aware energy management concepts that support large-scale integration of renewable energy without immediate grid reinforcement.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in .
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Experience with software engineering and system modelling.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Dr. Christina Papadimitriou, c.papadimitriou@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR services, hrservices.ee@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

PhD in Optimal Operation of Multicommodity Energy Systems from a Market and Grid Perspective

The BACH (Brainport Approach for a Congestion-free Holland) project addresses the increasing congestion in Dutch electricity distribution grids caused by the rapid growth of renewable energy generation and increased electrification of energy demand. Due to limited grid capacity and long connection queues, customers can no longer get a new connection, or expansion of an existing connection, this holds for both demand and supply. A large share of renewable generation cannot be connected or must be curtailed.

BACH develops a data-driven and proactive approach to congestion mitigation by integrating electricity, heat and gas systems into a multicommodity energy system. The optimal operation of a multicommodity energy system is demonstrated on TU/e campus. The real-life project data and results will be enriched to make them applicable on a large scale. Using distribution grid data, customer profiles and energy transition scenario’s, the project identifies where storage and conversion technologies can be deployed most effectively in the future to relieve grid congestion and increase renewable energy integration.

A central element of BACH is the development of an open-architecture Multicommodity Energy Management System (MC-EMS) and associated impact analysis tools, which together enable grid-aware and market-aware operation of multicommodity energy hubs. The concepts and tools are validated in a real-life mirror location at the TU/e campus and designed for scalability towards regional and national application.

This PhD project focuses on the modeling and optimal operation of multicommodity energy systems under explicit distribution grid constraints. The research addresses how real grid congestion information can be systematically incorporated into system models and operational decision-making.

The PhD candidate will develop:

• Net-aware models of multicommodity energy systems that explicitly account for distribution grid constraints;
• Optimization-based operational strategies for multicommodity energy systems, from an economic (energy market) and grid perspective, coordinating storage, conversion and flexible demand across multiple energy carriers;
• Framework to assess the effectiveness of net-aware multi-commodity energy systems in a regional context, considering regional energy demand and supply as well as the future effects of the energy transition on changes in demand and supply.

The developed models and strategies will be validated using real grid data and real operational conditions, with the TU/e campus serving as a full-scale validation environment. The results of this research will contribute to scalable, congestion-aware energy management concepts that support large-scale integration of renewable energy without immediate grid reinforcement.

Grant specialist

Introduction
Do you have strong communication and writing skills, and are you comfortable working both independently and as part of a team? Are you interested in contributing to initiatives that support scientific research and collaboration? We’re looking for someone who can assist in the preparation of grant applications, support the execution of funded projects, and contribute to the planning and organization of scientific conferences.

Job Description
As Grant specialist you will support the researchers in the Discrete Mathematics cluster in writing grant proposals and in executing the resulting projects. You will be the local contact person handling the administrative aspects of the grants and contributing to the writing efforts for deliverables.

You become the first point of contact for external parties and project partners and stakeholders. You will join the dynamic team of the Discrete Mathematics cluster at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. The researchers are active in applied algebra, coding theory, and cryptography and have multiple grants at national and EU level as well as projects with industry.

For Project acquisition you will support researchers with:

• Identification of potential industrial partners and suitable funding mechanisms to support industry collaborations.
• Preparation of administrative parts of grant proposals and of calls for tender
• Editorial review of proposals
• Support in dealing with TU/e internal administration (collecting required data, preparing necessary documents)
• Support in collecting required data from project partners

For Project reporting

• You will work in close collaboration with project partners nationally and internationally.
• You will collect material, handle its review and organization into project deliverables, and support submission of technical deliverables and technical reports
• You will prepare and submits administrative deliverables, annual progress reports, and support the submission of financial reports

For Project management you will:

• Contribute to project management by assisting the respective principal investigators and liaising with project partners to ensure successful delivery of tasks and deliverables of projects
• Perform active follow-up of the projects’ progress ensuring compliance with deadlines set in the projects’ description of work, and compliance with financial EU rules and consortium agreement
• Contact project partners regarding administrative, dissemination and financial guidelines of the projects
• Manage and organize meetings and events for the projects, prepare agendas and take minutes
• Assist the dissemination efforts by maintaining web pages and liaising with the PR groups at the department and TU/e central

You will also:

• Assist the DM cluster in hosting conferences, summer schools, and workshops not related to projects.
• Other “ad hoc” administration tasks

Job Requirements
For this position we are looking for:

• An excellent level of English (spoken and written at C1 level) and strong communication skills
• Demonstrated experience in completing complex tasks with a high level of independence such as successful finalizing a bachelor or master thesis
• Experience in collaborative writing of documents
• Pro-active attitude and independence in planning and executing one’s work
• Openness towards learning about the technical context to the extent required to liaise with partners
• Trust, discretion and confidentiality are essential attributes for the position

It’s a plus if you also have:

• Experience in supporting project management of complex or international projects
• Experience in academic settings.
• A good level of Dutch (spoken and written).
• Experience in maintaining the content of web pages and other project software management related tools.
• Experience with tools for collaborative work such as Latex, git and svn.

If you are concerned that you don’t meet all the requirements sufficiently, but the job does excite you, then be sure to respond, we would love to look at your profile.

Conditions of Employment
An exciting position within an international yet personal university. You are right in the middle of the students, on a green campus within walking distance of the central station. Besides beautiful architecture, you will find varied workplaces and excellent sports facilities. We also offer you:

• Full-time employment for one year, with the possibility of permanent employment.
• A monthly salary of minimum €3,546 to maximum €5,538 for full-time employment, depending on your knowledge and experience (scale 10 collective labour agreement for Dutch Universities).
• In addition to vacation pay, a structural end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• A favorable arrangement for more holidays or a sabbatical.
• A selection model for additional fringe benefits.
• Working hours in consultation for an optimal work-life balance.
• Scope for your talent with advancement prospects and excellent development opportunities such as mentoring, workshops and coaching.
• Partially paid parental leave and reimbursement for commuting expenses, working from home and the internet.
• A generous employer contribution to the favorable ABP pension plan.

Here you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

With over 110 (assistant, associate and full) professors, almost 300 PhD and EngD students, about 1500 Bachelor students and 1000 Master students, the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (M&CS) is the largest department of the TU/e. By performing top-level fundamental and applied research, and maintaining strong ties with industry, M&CS aims to contribute to science and innovation in and beyond the region.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to have more information about the position, please contact the chair of the DM cluster Prof. Tanja Lange at tanja@hyperelliptic.org.

For questions about the application process or the conditions of employment, please contact Arianne Boekema, HR Advisor, via hrservices.mcs@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
If you are interested, please use the ‘apply’ button to send us your CV and letter of application with your motivation and a description of your qualifications. Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

Screening of candidates begins as soon as applications are received and continues until the position is filled. Where applicable, internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates where they are equally suitable.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Important for non-EU applicants: Please be aware that for this position, specific residence permit requirements apply. If you are a non-EU national, you may not be eligible to legally work in this role under current Dutch immigration regulations. We strongly advise you to contact our Staff Immigration Team (staffimmigration@tue.nl) before applying to check your eligibility and to receive further guidance.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Grant specialist

As Grant specialist you will support the researchers in the Discrete Mathematics cluster in writing grant proposals and in executing the resulting projects. You will be the local contact person handling the administrative aspects of the grants and contributing to the writing efforts for deliverables.

You become the first point of contact for external parties and project partners and stakeholders. You will join the dynamic team of the Discrete Mathematics cluster at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. The researchers are active in applied algebra, coding theory, and cryptography and have multiple grants at national and EU level as well as projects with industry.

For Project acquisition you will support researchers with:

• Identification of potential industrial partners and suitable funding mechanisms to support industry collaborations.
• Preparation of administrative parts of grant proposals and of calls for tender
• Editorial review of proposals
• Support in dealing with TU/e internal administration (collecting required data, preparing necessary documents)
• Support in collecting required data from project partners

For Project reporting

• You will work in close collaboration with project partners nationally and internationally.
• You will collect material, handle its review and organization into project deliverables, and support submission of technical deliverables and technical reports
• You will prepare and submits administrative deliverables, annual progress reports, and support the submission of financial reports

For Project management you will:

• Contribute to project management by assisting the respective principal investigators and liaising with project partners to ensure successful delivery of tasks and deliverables of projects
• Perform active follow-up of the projects’ progress ensuring compliance with deadlines set in the projects’ description of work, and compliance with financial EU rules and consortium agreement
• Contact project partners regarding administrative, dissemination and financial guidelines of the projects
• Manage and organize meetings and events for the projects, prepare agendas and take minutes
• Assist the dissemination efforts by maintaining web pages and liaising with the PR groups at the department and TU/e central

You will also:

• Assist the DM cluster in hosting conferences, summer schools, and workshops not related to projects.
• Other “ad hoc” administration tasks

Research Scientist / Senior Scientist

Job Description
The Research Scientist will conduct cutting edge research in electrochemistry and electrochemical engineering, with applications in energy storage and conversion systems such as batteries, fuel cells, and electrolytic processes. The ideal candidate will combine strong fundamental understanding with practical engineering insight, contributing to the development of next-generation materials, devices, and diagnostic techniques. The position requires independence, creativity, and the ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary research team.

This position will be physically located in the Electrochemical Materials and Systems group, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at Eindhoven University of Technology.

Job Requirements

• Scientific training and scholarship:
  
  • Doctoral degree in a relevant area of electrochemistry, electrochemical engineering or a related field of study with at least 2 years of relevant postdoctoral experience.
  • Strong publication record and proven potential for developing independent ideas.
  • Strong writing skills demonstrated through authorship of publications or independent grant research awards.
  • Analytical, rigorous, and committed to high-quality scientific standards.
  • Strong understanding of electrochemistry and electrochemical engineering fundamentals.
  • Creative problem solver willing to explore new approaches and ideas.
• Mentorship, leadership and collaboration:
  
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and a desire to engage in team-based research and collaboration are necessary.
  • Demonstrated project leadership experience and mentorship of students.
  • Highly motivated and able to manage multiple projects and keep pace in a dynamic research environment.
  • Strong scientific curiosity and passion for advancing electrochemical energy technologies.
  • Collaborative and supportive of a diverse, interdisciplinary research environment.
• Communication and project management:
  
  • Publish high-quality research papers;
  • Present research findings at major international conferences;
  • Contribute to technical reports, grant applications, and proposals to support new and ongoing research efforts in the group;
  • Manage research tasks, milestones, and deliverables with minimal supervision;
  • Maintain high standards of laboratory safety, experimental documentation, and data reproducibility.

Conditions of Employment
An exciting position within an international yet personal university. You are right in the middle of the students, on a green campus within walking distance of the central station. Besides beautiful architecture, you will find varied workplaces and excellent sports facilities. We also offer you:

• A dynamic research environment working on frontier electrochemical energy technologies with access to state-of-the-art electrochemical, materials synthesis, and characterization facilities.
• Opportunities to collaborate with industry, national labs, and academic partners while developing original ideas and mentoring junior scientists.
• Support for professional development through a development plan and yearly evaluations.
• A meaningful job in a highly motivated team at a dynamic and ambitious University. The TU/e is located in one of the smartest regions of the world en part of the European technology hotspot ‘Brainport Eindhoven’; well-known because of many high-tech industries and start-ups. A place to be for talented scientists!
• A monthly salary of minimum €4,728 to maximum €6,433 for full-time employment, depending on your knowledge and experience (scale 11 collective labour agreement for Dutch Universities).
• In addition to vacation pay, a structural end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• A favorable arrangement for more holidays or a sabbatical.
• A selection model for additional fringe benefits.
• Working hours in consultation for an optimal work-life balance.
• Scope for your talent with advancement prospects and excellent development opportunities such as mentoring, workshops and coaching.
• Partially paid parental leave and reimbursement for commuting expenses, working from home and the internet.
• A generous employer contribution to the favorable ABP pension plan.

Here you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry focusses on solving societal challenges in health, sustainable energy and circularity using expertise in molecules, materials and chemical processes. We collaborate with academia and industry to enlarge our chain of knowledge. Our top-notch research is internationally renowned and facilitated by a state-of-the-art research infrastructure. High-quality education and research, strong collaboration, independence of researchers and talent development are our core values. The Electrochemical Materials and Systems Laboratory (www.fornercuencaresearch.com) aims to accelerate the deployment of transformative energy technologies in the real world. To do so, we employ fundamental principles at the convergence of materials science, electrochemical engineering, and surface science to synthesize, characterize, simulate, and implement novel materials into next-generation electrochemical devices. Areas of application include large-scale energy storage with flow batteries, energy conversion through hydrogen fuel cell, and sustainable manufacturing with electrolysis.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to have more information about the position, please contact the hiring manager Prof.dr. Antoni Forner-Cuenca, a.forner.cuenca@tue.nl, phone: +31 40 247 6258.

For questions about the application process or the conditions of employment, please contact ms. Medea Weertman, HR-advisor, m.weertman@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
If you are interested, please use the ‘apply’ button to send us the following materials:

• a motivation letter detailing your research experience and motivation to this position/
• a curriculum vitae (including contact details of at least three references) with a full publication list.
• PDF copies of your top three publications.

A physical interview, a scientific presentation, and a request for referee letters are part of the selection procedure.

Screening of candidates begins as soon as applications are received and continues until the position is filled. Where applicable, internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates where they are equally suitable.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Important for non-EU applicants: Please be aware that for this position, specific residence permit requirements apply. If you are a non-EU national, you may not be eligible to legally work in this role under current Dutch immigration regulations. We strongly advise you to contact our Staff Immigration Team (staffimmigration@tue.nl) before applying to check your eligibility and to receive further guidance.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.