PhD position – Stability of Inverter-Based Power Systems Full-time

PhD Project On Inverter-Based Power Systems

In this PhD project, you will explore the stability and dynamic behavior of inverter-based power systems, using state-of-the-art supercomputing infrastructure. You'll work at the cutting edge of energy systems and computational engineering, developing scalable methods to simulate and secure IBR-dominated grids. Your key responsibilities include:

• Conducting large-scale simulations to study grid stability, fault propagation, and recovery dynamics.
• Analyzing control and protection strategies using high-resolution time-domain models.
• Developing dynamic models for grid-forming and grid-following inverters.
• Implementing and optimizing scalable algorithms for transient and stability analyses on HPC architectures (CPU, GPU, hybrid).
• Enhancing the numerical robustness and efficiency of existing simulation frameworks.
• Publishing and presenting your results at international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.
• Mentoring students and contributing to collaborative, interdisciplinary research projects.
• Disseminate your findings through scientific publications, conferences, and collaborations.
• Supervise Bachelor's and Master's students.

Your Profile:

• Excellent Master's degree in electrical engineering
• Very strong mathematical and algorithmic background
• Programming experience (Python, C++, etc.)
• Familiarity with parallel programming frameworks (e.g. MPI, CUDA)
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Strong analytical and independent working style
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills

You are independent, motivated, and passionate about shaping the energy transition—if this describes you, we encourage you to apply!

Our Offer:

• Join a diverse and supportive research group at one of Europe's leading research centers, where you will work on cutting-edge energy system models developing solutions for Europe energy system decarbonization.
• Access world-class infrastructure (including the Jülich Supercomputing Centre), and develop skills to advance your future career in academia or industry.
• Pursue a PhD at RWTH Aachen University under the supervision of Prof. Benigni.
• Participate in projects, meetings, and international conferences.
• 30 days of annual leave and flexible working arrangements, including partial remote work.
• Strong support and mentoring for building a career in academia or industry.
• Professional development through JuDocS, including training courses, networking, and structured continuing education.
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service.

The position is for a fixed term of 3.5 years, where the first 6 months serve as orientation and probation period. Pay is in line with 13 (75%) of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment (“Christmas bonus”). The monthly salaries in euro can be found on the BMI website. Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich (including its various branch offices) is available. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds.