PhD Scholarship in Situational Awareness for Resilient Operation of Distribution Grids (Full-time, 3 Years) in Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Department of Wind and Energy Systems – Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Summary

The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) seeks a PhD scholar to develop methods that enhance the resilience of distribution grids through islanded operation and improved situational awareness. The project, part of a trio of PhDs, focuses on integrating conventional grid measurements with non‑traditional data sources, creating robust operating strategies, and building explainable data models for coordination with grid operators. The candidate will work in an international research group, contribute to intelligent energy management systems, and assist in teaching MSc and BSc students. The three‑year full‑time position offers a scholarship, relocation support, and employment under a Danish collective agreement.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Wind and Energy Systems
Position Type	PhD Scholarship
Discipline	Power system engineering
Research Area	Resilient operation of distribution grids
Degree Required	Two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent
Funding	Scholarship
Contract Duration	Full-time position with an employment period of 3 years
Language	English
Deadline	2026-11-04
Required Documents	Cover letter, Curriculum vitae, Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) with official grading scale description
Employer Address	Elektrovej 325, room 124, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Employer Contact	Senior Researcher Henrik Bindner, tel.: +45 2362 786, email: [email protected]

About the Project

The PhD project investigates how island operation of distribution grids can increase system resilience during severe incidents. It aims to combine traditional grid measurements with data from distributed energy resources and physical surveillance to maintain real‑time system awareness, develop adaptive operating strategies, and create an explainable data model for coordination with grid operators and emergency procedures, ultimately supporting secure islanded operation and faster recovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop methods to enable microgrids and distribution systems to transition to islanded operation robustly
• Combine conventional grid measurements with non‑traditional information sources for continuous system state awareness
• Devise operating strategies that adapt to changing resource conditions and stability threats
• Create a self‑representing, explainable data model for coordination with grid operators and emergency entities
• Contribute to concepts for resilient distribution system operation and intelligent energy management
• Participate in teaching and co‑supervision of MSc and BSc students
• Collaborate within an international group and with industry partners

Required Skills

• Solid background in power system engineering and optimization
• Solid background in data science
• Programming skills in Python
• Experience with power system simulation tools such as PandaPower and PowerFactory
• Excellent command of English
• Strong ability to communicate scientific results orally and in publications

Who Should Apply

Applicants holding a two‑year master’s degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent, with a solid background in power system engineering, optimization, and data science, proficient in Python and tools such as PandaPower or PowerFactory, and possessing excellent English communication skills.

Benefits

• Rewarding and challenging job in an international environment
• Employment based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations
• Full‑time position for three years
• Information and support for relocating to Denmark, including a monthly free "PhD relocation to Denmark and startup" Zoom seminar

About the Employer

DTU is described as one of Europe’s leading elite technical universities with global recognition for research, education, innovation and scientific advice. Its Department of Wind and Energy Systems is one of the world’s largest centres for wind energy and energy systems research, employing over 400 staff from 37 countries and hosting around 90 PhD students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

4 November 2026 (23:59 Danish time).

How long is the PhD position?

It is a full‑time position with an employment period of three years.

What documents must be submitted?

A single PDF containing a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and grade transcripts with the BSc/MSc diploma and grading scale description.

Is relocation support provided?

Yes, information and support for relocating to Denmark, including a monthly free Zoom seminar, are offered.

Who can be contacted for more information?

Senior Researcher Henrik Bindner, tel. +45 2362 786, email [email protected].