Academic Researcher (f/m/d) Full-time

Job Title

A major challenge of the energy transition is managing variable electricity generation from renewable energy sources and coordinating it with storage systems and flexible consumers. The bundling of flexible or controllable facilities within virtual power plants, intelligent districts, or as intelligent areas is a central approach to reducing system complexity. The goal of this position is the conception, implementation, evaluation, and testing of new solutions for coordinating flexible facilities. The focus lies on the application of reinforcement learning and the consideration of stochastic influences.

Specifically, you will have the following responsibilities:

• Researching and familiarizing yourself with the topics of smart grids and virtual power plants, as well as the current state of the art, and identifying research gaps
• Designing models and algorithms, as well as programming
• Implementing the solutions in computer simulations and subsequently using the Energy Lab's actual hardware and the Campus North grid
• Conducting experiments, analyzing the results, and deriving new insights
• Publishing the results in academic journals and at conferences
• Assistance with teaching

In addition to research activities, there is the opportunity to pursue a Ph.D.

Your profile should include:

• A completed master's degree in computer science, mechanical engineering, mathematics, Industrial Engineering and Management or a comparable field of study
• Excellent knowledge in the fields of Machine Learning and statistics
• Solid expertise in the areas of energy informatics and electrical engineering
• Strong understanding of stochastic processes/probability theory
• Programming experience
• Excellent written and spoken English skills
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, a strong willingness to learn, and a solution-oriented approach to work

We offer:

• Science for Impact: Engage with topics of societal relevance — in an excellent scientific environment that enables change.
• Career-Building and Developmental Opportunities: We provide you with a structured onboarding program, a broad spectrum of continuing-education options, and personalized support, thereby fostering your individual growth.
• Flexible Working Hours: Take advantage of flexible-hours schemes, remote-work options, and a 30-day annual leave entitlement to achieve an optimal work-life balance.
• Family-friendliness: The “KIT-Family +” program assists you in reconciling work and family life by offering childcare services, holiday activities, a parent-child office space, and assistance with caring for relatives.
• Stay Healthy: Under the motto “Fit at KIT – Body, Mind and Soul,” we promote your well-being through fitness classes and mental-health programmes.
• Individualised Extra Benefits: Enjoy a corporate pension (VBL), a €25 monthly contribution toward a JobTicket BW, plus a broad selection of cultural and recreational programmes.

Job location: Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen (and Karlsruhe)

Salary: Salary category 13 TV-L; classification is based on personal and professional qualifications.

Contract duration: 3 years

Contact person in line-management Dr. Kevin Förderer kevin.foerderer@kit.edu +49 721 608-22980

If you have general questions about the application process, please contact Katja Wenz Personalservice (PSE) katja.wenz@kit.edu +49 721 608-25093

At KIT we value the diversity of our employees; different perspectives and backgrounds enrich our work. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Applications from recognized severely disabled individuals are given preferential consideration when qualifications are equal.

Application up to: 2026-10-23 Job posting number: 371/2026