PhD in Electrical Engineering in Reykjavik University – Iceland

Summary

Reykjavik University is seeking a PhD student in Electrical Engineering to research ancillary services and system upgrades for large-scale wind generation and electric mobility in Iceland. The position is full-time, temporary, and initially funded for one year through the SIF PhD Support Fund, with further funding to be applied for. The research will focus on power systems engineering, energy modeling, optimization, and sustainable transport, contributing to Iceland’s climate neutrality goals by 2040. The project involves extending existing PyPSA-based models of the Icelandic grid, developing EV charging load profiles, and proposing a tailored ancillary services framework. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field, possess strong programming skills, and have an interest in power system stability and renewable integration. The application deadline is November 30, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Human Resources
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Electrical Engineering
Research Area	Ancillary services and system upgrades for large-scale wind generation and electric mobility
Degree Required	Master Degree or equivalent
Experience	Experience or strong interest in power system stability, renewable integration, energy system modeling, and/or electric mobility is a plus. Solid programming skills (Python preferred; experience with PyPSA, MATPOWER, or similar modeling tools is a strong advantage). Experience with health/real grid data or machine learning is beneficial but not mandatory.
Salary	According to Reykjavík University scales
Funding	SIF PhD Support Fund (Reykjavík University) for one year (further funding will be applied for)
Contract Duration	Temporary, one year funded of 3-year PhD position
Language	English
Deadline	2026-11-30
Required Documents	CV, Cover letter (clearly stating motivation and relevant background), Research plan (max. 3 pages) outlining how you would approach the project, Academic transcripts and diplomas, Contact details for 2–3 references
Employer Address	Menntavegur 1, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
Employer Contact	[email protected], Hákon Valur Haraldsson – [email protected]

About the Project

The PhD project investigates the ancillary services and grid upgrades necessary to maintain stability in Iceland’s isolated power system. This is crucial as large-scale wind generation is introduced alongside the rapid electrification of light- and heavy-duty vehicle fleets. The research will utilize and extend existing PyPSA-based models of the Icelandic grid, develop detailed electric vehicle (EV) charging load profiles, and propose a customized ancillary services framework. It will characterize current and benchmark Nordic/EU frameworks, simulate future scenarios incorporating wind variability and dynamic stability, and propose an optimal ancillary services roadmap for Iceland's grid. Ethical, practical, and policy aspects of implementation will also be addressed in collaboration with system operators.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on ancillary services and system upgrades for large-scale wind generation and electric mobility in Iceland
• Work at the intersection of power systems, energy modeling, optimization, and sustainable transport
• Produce high-impact research and contribute to Iceland’s climate neutrality goals by 2040
• Use and extend existing PyPSA-based models of the Icelandic grid
• Develop detailed EV charging load profiles
• Propose a tailored ancillary services framework
• Characterize current and benchmark Nordic/EU frameworks for ancillary services
• Simulate future scenarios with PyPSA (incorporating wind variability and dynamic stability)
• Propose an optimal ancillary services roadmap suited to Iceland’s isolated grid
• Address ethical, practical, and policy aspects of implementation in collaboration with system operators
• Co-design the exact research direction with the candidate’s background and interests while aligning with project goals and supervisor’s ongoing work

Required Skills

• Master’s degree in Power Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems, or a closely related field
• Experience or strong interest in power system stability, renewable integration, energy system modeling, and/or electric mobility (a plus)
• Solid programming skills (Python preferred)
• Experience with PyPSA, MATPOWER, or similar modeling tools (a strong advantage)
• Reflective, analytical approach
• Aspirations to publish in high-impact journals
• Very good written and spoken English
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team
• Experience with health/real grid data or machine learning (beneficial but not mandatory)

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for a First Stage Researcher (R1) with a Master's degree in Power Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems, or a closely related field. Ideal candidates will have experience or a strong interest in power system stability, renewable integration, energy system modeling, and/or electric mobility. Solid programming skills, particularly in Python and with tools like PyPSA, MATPOWER, or similar, are highly valued. Applicants should have very good written and spoken English, an analytical approach, and aspirations to publish in high-impact journals. The role requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.

Benefits

• Salary according to Reykjavík University scales
• Access to high-performance computing resources
• Access to established grid models
• Strong collaboration with Icelandic TSOs (Landsnet, Landsvirkjun)
• Strong collaboration with international partners (e.g., ICCT)

About the Employer

Reykjavik University is an institution in Iceland. The position is within the Department of Human Resources, focusing on Engineering, specifically Electrical Engineering. The university is involved in established modeling work and collaborates closely with Landsnet, Landsvirkjun, and international partners on projects related to Iceland's energy transition and climate neutrality goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the research focus of this PhD position?

The research focuses on ancillary services and system upgrades required for large-scale wind generation and electric mobility in Iceland, specifically addressing stability in Iceland’s isolated power system as it transitions towards more variable wind power and new EV charging loads.

What is the duration of the funding for this position?

The position is funded for one year through the SIF PhD Support Fund (Reykjavík University), with further funding to be applied for to cover the full 3-year PhD.

What programming skills are required for this role?

Solid programming skills are required, with Python being preferred. Experience with PyPSA, MATPOWER, or similar modeling tools is a strong advantage.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants must submit a CV, a cover letter, a research plan (max. 3 pages), academic transcripts and diplomas, and contact details for 2–3 references.

Who can I contact for inquiries about this position?

Inquiries can be directed to Hákon Valur Haraldsson (PI/Supervisor) at [email protected].

Is the job related to a staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No, the job is not related to a staff position within a Research Infrastructure.