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

CHIMERA Project Position

Grid-forming hybrid power plants are thought to be an essential building block of the energy transition, since they could be a full-fledged replacement for conventional power plants. This is achieved through the intelligent combination of various renewable generation technologies with storage systems to balance out weather-related fluctuations, provide essential system services, and thus actively contribute to the stability of future power grids. As part of the CHIMERA project, the goal is to investigate such concepts for grid-forming hybrid power plants and evaluate them in terms of their technical, economic, and regulatory feasibility. Specifically, your responsibilities will include:

• Development and testing of methods for reducing EMT simulation models of the power grid and their transfer to RTDS real-time simulation, as well as the creation of transmission grid models in PowerFactory and RTDS/RsCAD
• Investigation of system-wide interactions between hybrid power plants and active grid assets
• Scientific and administrative coordination of the work in the CHIMERA work package “Integration of HiL Test Environments into the Co-Simulation Platform”
• Preparation of project reports
• Publication of results in peer-reviewed journals and at conferences
• Supervision of student theses

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

Your Profile

• Above-average Master's degree in electrical engineering, electrical and information technology, electrical power engineering, renewable energy, mechanical engineering, computer science, or a comparable field of study
• Strong analytical thinking skills
• Very good ability to organize one's own work
• Very good written and spoken German and English skills
• Teamwork and communication skills, determination, and a strong willingness to learn
• Basic programming skills (MATLAB or Python)
• Preferably experience with power grid simulation—RsCAD, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, MatDyn, PSCAD, EMTP, etc.

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 Friedrich Wiegel Friedrich.wiegel@kit.edu +49 721 608-25765

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: 2026-10-30 Job posting number: 404/2026