Phd Position

Achieving a secure, greenhouse gas-neutral energy supply is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. At the Institute for Energy and Climate Research - Techno-Economic Systems Analysis (IEK-3), we are researching how possible cost-effective transformation strategies must be designed to achieve this. Become part of our research team and contribute your ideas and creativity to help shape what a future greenhouse gas neutral energy system could look like.

**Your Job**:
Understanding and assessing electrical power networks is necessitated by the transition to sustainable energy resources in an effort to alleviate climate and humanity-related challenges. In addition, the adaptability of decentralized energy resources has the potential to lower network reinforcement costs. However, coordination between the transmission and distribution systems is essential and challenging in order to exploit the flexibility of distributed energy resources. Therefore, in your doctoral thesis, you will investigate the opportunities and challenges associated with the integration of distributed energy resources in electrical power systems. In doing so, you will investigate various issues, such as: How can transmission and distribution systems be coupled for planning and grid expansions? How can the flexibility provided by distributed energy resources at the distribution level be effectively coordinated with the transmission system? To address these questions, you will further create a power exchange model and perform the following tasks:

- Constructing precise geo-referenced synthetic electrical datasets for transmission and distribution systems
- Combining and further developing the distribution network model and the transmission network model of the IEK-3 model suite to depict the entire electrical power network
- Developing a schema for coordinating the flexibility afforded by distributed energy resources between transmission and distribution grids
- Analyzing the coupled transmission and distribution networks using both top-down and bottom-up methodologies
- Determining cost-effective grid reinforcement for all voltage levels in transmission and distribution systems under various scenarios
- Active participation in the scientific and public discourse (including publication of results in high-impact scientific journals)

**Your Profile**:

- A completed master's degree in the field of electrical engineering, informatics, or a related field of study
- Good knowledge of mathematical optimization methods
- Very good knowledge of energy technology and economics
- Proficiency in Python programming language
- High degree of independence and willingness to show great commitment
- Very reliable and conscientious work style
- Fluent written and spoken English, German language skills would be an advantage

**Our Offer**:
We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

- A highly motivated working group as well as an international and interdisciplinary working environment at one of Europe’s largest research establishments
- The opportunity to complete a doctoral thesis within 3 years through professional supervision and internal support services; time taken to submit the final thesis for the last 16 doctoral students at IEK-3: 2.7-3.4 years
- Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure
- Opportunity to participate in (international) conferences and project meetings
- Continuous scientific mentoring by your scientific advisor(s)
- Flexible work (location) arrangements, e.g. remote work
- 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g., between Christmas and New Year)
- Targeted services for international employees, e.g., through our International Advisory Service