PhD Position: Sustainable Generative AI for Digital Sovereignty

Job description

Generative AI is widely expected to become a central element of digital transformation. Its flexibility and adaptability give businesses in many sectors an opportunity to innovate rapidly, respond to changing conditions, and lower barriers to automation. For society to benefit from these advancements, organisations need to maintain control over sensitive information and critical decision-making tools.

Reducing dependence on external providers strengthens digital autonomy, while more efficient ways of running AI help align technological progress with environmental and energy targets. By designing systems that are sustainable, sovereign, secure, and efficient at the same time, this PhD project will support Europe’s broader ambitions for responsible technological leadership.

Position Overview:

This PhD position is aimed at candidates with a Master’s degree in computer science/engineering, AI, data science, or related fields, with a strong interest in generative AI. The successful candidate will be based at the Department of Engineering Systems and Services (ESS) at Delft University of Technology under the supervision of Dr. Aaron Ding, Dr. Marcela Tuler de Oliveira, Prof. Dr. Marijn Janssen. This PhD project involves close collaboration with partners from the EU Horizon project, and candidates will have the opportunity to engage with interdisciplinary teams involved in the project.

Key Responsibilities:

• To conduct an in-depth evaluation of existing foundation models to assess their suitability in the digital industries, automotive and healthcare domains. Design sustainable inference strategies and framework towards the computing continuum.
• Collaborate with experts from the f-inference consortium to design, develop, test and refine the design strategies and framework.
• Work independently and contribute collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.

Project Impact:

This project will democratise the access to advanced Generative AI technologies through practical tools that help businesses, particularly SMEs, adopt state-of-the-art AI models. The outcomes are expected to enhance competitiveness, support sustainable innovation, and contribute to a more inclusive digital transition across Europe.

Job requirements

• MSc in computer science/engineering, AI, data science, or related fields.
• Strong analytical skills
• A strong interest in interdisciplinary research, and the use of AI in inter-oranisational context
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment.
• Excellent command of English

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Technology, Policy & Management
The Faculty of TPM provides an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. TPM does this with its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy. We combine insights from both engineering and social sciences as well as the humanities. TPM develops robust models and designs, is internationally oriented and has an extensive network of knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management.

Postdoc EMT Transmission Backbone and Model Integration (UTOPYS)

Job description

Future power systems are converter-dominated, fast, and interconnected across scales that today's modelling tools cannot capture. UTOPYS (Understanding Large and Complex Power Systems) addresses this with a state-of-the-art real-time power system simulator: a large RTDS cluster at TU Delft's ESP Lab that simulates thousands of nodes in full electromagnetic transient (EMT) detail, in real time, and that can be coupled to hardware, SCADA systems and other simulators. UTOPYS is a ten-year national research infrastructure (2026-2036) built by a consortium of eight Dutch universities and research institutes, coordinated by TU Delft. A simulator of this size is only as valuable as the models that run on it. The first phase of UTOPYS is therefore dedicated to the UTOPYS Library: an open, modular and validated collection of EMT component models, reference system models, scenarios and datasets that will serve the consortium, external academic users and industry for the coming decade. TU Delft is recruiting two postdocs to lay its foundations. This vacancy focuses on the library's transmission backbone and on coordinating model integration.

What you will do

• Design and build a scalable RSCAD/RTDS model of a large 380/220 kV transmission system: the backbone into which all UTOPYS models are integrated and tested.
• Define the library's architecture, interfaces, modelling standards and testing workflow with the partner postdocs.
• Act as technical lead for integration: plan integration sprints, review and merge partner contributions, and track what runs, what breaks and why.
• Build the library to last: model conversion from other tools, scalability and model reduction, documentation, version control and validation criteria.
• Publish your models, datasets and methods open access, and present them in journals and at conferences.

How this position fits

You own the backbone and the integration workflow, while the other TU Delft postdoc develops detailed high-voltage component, substation and protection models that plug into it. Part of your role is technical coordination: agreeing interfaces and standards with partners, preparing the technical side of consortium meetings and demo days, and making sure contributions come together as one working system.

Where and with whom

You will join the Intelligent Electrical Power Grids (IEPG) section and work alongside the UTOPYS postdocs at the partner institutes and with TU Delft staff and PhD students working on HVDC, protection, wide-area stability and cyber-physical power systems. Progress is shared in regular consortium meetings and demonstration days.

What the position offers you

• Real-time EMT expertise on a one-of-a-kind infrastructure: a scarce and sought-after skill set in academia, at system operators and in industry.
• Visible, citable output. Library models and datasets are published open access with a DOI, credited to their developers, and will be used internationally for years.
• Opportunities to contribute to the UTOPYS summer school and RTDS training courses, and represent the programme internationally.

About the department

The research in the Department of Electrical Sustainable Energy is inspired by the technical, scientific, and societal challenges originating from the transition towards a more sustainable society and focuses on four areas:

• DC Systems, Energy Conversion and Storage (DCE&S)
• Photovoltaic Materials and Devices (PVMD)
• Intelligent Electrical Power Grids (IEPG)
• High Voltage Technologies (HVT)

The department owns a large ESP Laboratory assembling High Voltage testing, DC Grids testing environment, and large RTDS that is actively used for real-time simulation of future electrical power systems, AC and DC protection and wide-area monitoring and protection. The Intelligent Electrical Power Grid (IEPG) group works on the future of our power system.

Job requirements
We are looking for candidates who bring:

• A PhD in electrical engineering, power systems or a closely related field, obtained or close to completion.
• A solid background in power system dynamics and electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation.
• Demonstrable experience with at least one power system simulation package, for example RSCAD/RTDS, PSCAD, EMTP, PowerFactory, Simulink/Simscape, OPAL-RT, Typhoon HIL, pandapower or PyPSA.
• A structured and well-documented way of working: the models you build must be picked up, understood and extended by others.
• Enthusiasm for working as part of a team on a shared product, and for open science.
• A good command of English, both written and spoken.
• Experience in coordinating technical work across a team or between partners: setting modelling standards or interfaces, integrating contributions from others, leading a work package or acting as technical lead.

The following are considered an asset:

• Hands-on experience with RTDS/RSCAD, real-time simulation or hardware-in-the-loop set-ups.
• Software development skills: Python, C, scripting and automation, version control, testing.
• Expertise in one or more of: converter control and grid-forming/grid-following operation; HVDC, MTDC and offshore systems; protection; machine and load modelling; model order reduction; parameter estimation and model validation; large-scale or synthetic network modelling.
• Experience in converting or interfacing models between different simulation tools.
• Experience in contributing to courses and training.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

PhD Position: Sustainable Generative AI for Digital Sovereignty

Job description

Generative AI is widely expected to become a central element of digital transformation. Its flexibility and adaptability give businesses in many sectors an opportunity to innovate rapidly, respond to changing conditions, and lower barriers to automation. For society to benefit from these advancements, organisations need to maintain control over sensitive information and critical decision-making tools.

Reducing dependence on external providers strengthens digital autonomy, while more efficient ways of running AI help align technological progress with environmental and energy targets. By designing systems that are sustainable, sovereign, secure, and efficient at the same time, this PhD project will support Europe’s broader ambitions for responsible technological leadership.

Position Overview:

This PhD position is aimed at candidates with a Master’s degree in computer science/engineering, AI, data science, or related fields, with a strong interest in generative AI. The successful candidate will be based at the Department of Engineering Systems and Services (ESS) at Delft University of Technology under the supervision of Dr. Aaron Ding, Dr. Marcela Tuler de Oliveira, Prof. Dr. Marijn Janssen. This PhD project involves close collaboration with partners from the EU Horizon project, and candidates will have the opportunity to engage with interdisciplinary teams involved in the project.

Key Responsibilities:

• To conduct an in-depth evaluation of existing foundation models to assess their suitability in the digital industries, automotive and healthcare domains. Design sustainable inference strategies and framework towards the computing continuum.
• Collaborate with experts from the f-inference consortium to design, develop, test and refine the design strategies and framework.
• Work independently and contribute collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.

Project Impact:

This project will democratise the access to advanced Generative AI technologies through practical tools that help businesses, particularly SMEs, adopt state-of-the-art AI models. The outcomes are expected to enhance competitiveness, support sustainable innovation, and contribute to a more inclusive digital transition across Europe.

Job requirements

• MSc in computer science/engineering, AI, data science, or related fields.
• Strong analytical skills
• A strong interest in interdisciplinary research, and the use of AI in inter-oranisational context
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment.
• Excellent command of English

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Technology, Policy & Management
The Faculty of TPM provides an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. TPM does this with its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy. We combine insights from both engineering and social sciences as well as the humanities. TPM develops robust models and designs, is internationally oriented and has an extensive network of knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management.

Postdoc EMT Transmission Backbone and Model Integration (UTOPYS)

Job description

Future power systems are converter-dominated, fast, and interconnected across scales that today's modelling tools cannot capture. UTOPYS (Understanding Large and Complex Power Systems) addresses this with a state-of-the-art real-time power system simulator: a large RTDS cluster at TU Delft's ESP Lab that simulates thousands of nodes in full electromagnetic transient (EMT) detail, in real time, and that can be coupled to hardware, SCADA systems and other simulators. UTOPYS is a ten-year national research infrastructure (2026-2036) built by a consortium of eight Dutch universities and research institutes, coordinated by TU Delft. A simulator of this size is only as valuable as the models that run on it. The first phase of UTOPYS is therefore dedicated to the UTOPYS Library: an open, modular and validated collection of EMT component models, reference system models, scenarios and datasets that will serve the consortium, external academic users and industry for the coming decade. TU Delft is recruiting two postdocs to lay its foundations. This vacancy focuses on the library's transmission backbone and on coordinating model integration.

What you will do

• Design and build a scalable RSCAD/RTDS model of a large 380/220 kV transmission system: the backbone into which all UTOPYS models are integrated and tested.
• Define the library's architecture, interfaces, modelling standards and testing workflow with the partner postdocs.
• Act as technical lead for integration: plan integration sprints, review and merge partner contributions, and track what runs, what breaks and why.
• Build the library to last: model conversion from other tools, scalability and model reduction, documentation, version control and validation criteria.
• Publish your models, datasets and methods open access, and present them in journals and at conferences.

How this position fits

You own the backbone and the integration workflow, while the other TU Delft postdoc develops detailed high-voltage component, substation and protection models that plug into it. Part of your role is technical coordination: agreeing interfaces and standards with partners, preparing the technical side of consortium meetings and demo days, and making sure contributions come together as one working system.

Where and with whom

You will join the Intelligent Electrical Power Grids (IEPG) section and work alongside the UTOPYS postdocs at the partner institutes and with TU Delft staff and PhD students working on HVDC, protection, wide-area stability and cyber-physical power systems. Progress is shared in regular consortium meetings and demonstration days.

What the position offers you

• Real-time EMT expertise on a one-of-a-kind infrastructure: a scarce and sought-after skill set in academia, at system operators and in industry.
• Visible, citable output. Library models and datasets are published open access with a DOI, credited to their developers, and will be used internationally for years.
• Opportunities to contribute to the UTOPYS summer school and RTDS training courses, and represent the programme internationally.

About the department

The research in the Department of Electrical Sustainable Energy is inspired by the technical, scientific, and societal challenges originating from the transition towards a more sustainable society and focuses on four areas:

• DC Systems, Energy Conversion and Storage (DCE&S)
• Photovoltaic Materials and Devices (PVMD)
• Intelligent Electrical Power Grids (IEPG)
• High Voltage Technologies (HVT)

The department owns a large ESP Laboratory assembling High Voltage testing, DC Grids testing environment, and large RTDS that is actively used for real-time simulation of future electrical power systems, AC and DC protection and wide-area monitoring and protection. The Intelligent Electrical Power Grid (IEPG) group works on the future of our power system.

Job requirements
We are looking for candidates who bring:

• A PhD in electrical engineering, power systems or a closely related field, obtained or close to completion.
• A solid background in power system dynamics and electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation.
• Demonstrable experience with at least one power system simulation package, for example RSCAD/RTDS, PSCAD, EMTP, PowerFactory, Simulink/Simscape, OPAL-RT, Typhoon HIL, pandapower or PyPSA.
• A structured and well-documented way of working: the models you build must be picked up, understood and extended by others.
• Enthusiasm for working as part of a team on a shared product, and for open science.
• A good command of English, both written and spoken.
• Experience in coordinating technical work across a team or between partners: setting modelling standards or interfaces, integrating contributions from others, leading a work package or acting as technical lead.

The following are considered an asset:

• Hands-on experience with RTDS/RSCAD, real-time simulation or hardware-in-the-loop set-ups.
• Software development skills: Python, C, scripting and automation, version control, testing.
• Expertise in one or more of: converter control and grid-forming/grid-following operation; HVDC, MTDC and offshore systems; protection; machine and load modelling; model order reduction; parameter estimation and model validation; large-scale or synthetic network modelling.
• Experience in converting or interfacing models between different simulation tools.
• Experience in contributing to courses and training.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

Postdoc EMT Modelling of High-Voltage Components and Protection (UTOPYS)

Job description

Future power systems are converter-dominated, fast, and interconnected across scales that today's modelling tools cannot capture. UTOPYS (Understanding Large and Complex Power Systems) addresses this with a state-of-the-art real-time power system simulator: a large RTDS cluster at TU Delft's ESP Lab that simulates thousands of nodes in full electromagnetic transient (EMT) detail, in real time, and that can be coupled to hardware, SCADA systems and other simulators. UTOPYS is a ten-year national research infrastructure (2026-2036) built by a consortium of eight Dutch universities and research institutes, coordinated by TU Delft. A simulator of this size is only as valuable as the models that run on it. The first phase of UTOPYS is therefore dedicated to the UTOPYS Library: an open, modular and validated collection of EMT component models, reference system models, scenarios and datasets that will serve the consortium, external academic users and industry for the coming decade. TU Delft is recruiting two postdocs to lay its foundations. This vacancy focuses on detailed models of high-voltage components, substations and protection.

What you will do

• Develop and validate detailed EMT models of high-voltage components in RSCAD/RTDS, for example lines and cables, transformers, breakers, reactive-power devices, HVDC and MTDC terminals and offshore connections, including their controls.
• Model substations, protection and measurement systems, so that faults, islanding and cascading outages can be reproduced realistically.
• Validate each model independently and integrate it into the UTOPYS transmission backbone as a higher-fidelity drop-in replacement, using its standard interfaces.
• Parameterise and document your models so that others can reuse and extend them.
• Publish your models, datasets and methods open access, and present th em in journals and at conferences.

How this position fits

You focus on the depth and fidelity of the high-voltage models, while the other TU Delft postdoc builds the transmission backbone and coordinates integration across the consortium. You will work closely together: the backbone defines the interfaces, and your models make it realistic.

Where and with whom

You will join the Intelligent Electrical Power Grids (IEPG) section and work alongside the UTOPYS postdocs at the partner institutes and with TU Delft staff and PhD students working on HVDC, protection, wide-area stability and cyber-physical power systems. Progress is shared in regular consortium meetings and demonstration days.

What the position offers you

• Real-time EMT expertise on a one-of-a-kind infrastructure: a scarce and sought-after skill set in academia, at system operators and in industry.
• Visible, citable output. Library models and datasets are published open access with a DOI, credited to their developers, and will be used internationally for years.
• Opportunities to contribute to the UTOPYS summer school and RTDS training courses, and represent the programme internationally.

About the department

The research in the Department of Electrical Sustainable Energy is inspired by the technical, scientific, and societal challenges originating from the transition towards a more sustainable society and focuses on four areas:

• DC Systems, Energy Conversion and Storage (DCE&S)
• Photovoltaic Materials and Devices (PVMD)
• Intelligent Electrical Power Grids (IEPG)
• High Voltage Technologies (HVT)

The department owns a large ESP Laboratory assembling High Voltage testing, DC Grids testing environment, and large RTDS that is actively used for real-time simulation of future electrical power systems, AC and DC protection and wide-area monitoring and protection. The Intelligent Electrical Power Grid (IEPG) group works on the future of our power system.

Job requirements
We are looking for candidates who bring:

• A PhD in electrical engineering, power systems or a closely related field, obtained or close to completion.
• A solid background in power system dynamics and electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation.
• Demonstrable experience with at least one power system simulation package, for example RSCAD/RTDS, PSCAD, EMTP, PowerFactory, Simulink/Simscape, OPAL-RT, Typhoon HIL, pandapower or PyPSA.
• A structured and well-documented way of working: the models you build must be picked up, understood and extended by others.
• Enthusiasm for working as part of a team on a shared product, and for open science.
• A good command of English, both written and spoken.

The following are considered an asset:

• Hands-on experience with RTDS/RSCAD, real-time simulation or hardware-in-the-loop set-ups.
• Software development skills: Python, C, scripting and automation, version control, testing.
• Expertise in one or more of: converter control and grid-forming/grid-following operation; HVDC, MTDC and offshore systems; protection; machine and load modelling; model order reduction; parameter estimation and model validation; large-scale or synthetic network modelling.
• Experience in converting or interfacing models between different simulation tools.
• Experience in contributing to courses and training.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.