Postdoc Project HARMONY

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the ongoing research activities within the framework of the CRESYM organization. The position is connected to the Harmony project, funded by CRESYM, TenneT, and Swissgrid, and focuses on advanced coordinated optimal control and optimization of integrated AC‑MTDC power systems, with a particular emphasis on OPF‑related methodologies for future transmission networks.

The candidate will work on the modeling, analysis, and simulation of AC‑MTDC systems, including the development of optimization and control frameworks that enable secure, efficient, and flexible grid operation. Depending on the candidate’s expertise and interests, the research may include topics such as:

• Optimal control of AC‑MTDC systems with high penetration of renewable energy sources
• Dynamic and security‑constrained optimal power flow
• Multi‑timescale operation and control of hybrid AC/DC grids
• Real‑time and predictive control methods for future power systems

This is a full‑time postdoctoral appointment with close collaboration opportunities with industrial partners including TenneT and Swissgrid. The position offers access to advanced simulation and experimental infrastructure, including RTDS platforms, HVDC and DC grids laboratories, and wide‑area monitoring and protection systems.

You will be jointly supervised by Dr. Aleksandra Lekić and Dr. Robert Dimitrovski, and you will become a member of the Intelligent Electrical Power Grids (IEPG) section within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science. Within the team, we strive to develop mathematically rigorous methods with strong near‑term application potential. We strongly support open science practices, including scientific publishing, open‑source software, and data sharing.

Job Requirements

Essentials:

• Solid knowledge of electrical power systems and supply‑demand matching.
• Solid experience in the modeling techniques for power systems.
• Solid experience in programming and simulation with at least one programming language (MATLAB, Python, Julia, C/C++).
• Excellent analytical skills and solid knowledge of machine learning and/or operational research. You can understand literature in both disciplines.
• You enjoy performing research. You are independent, self‑motivated, and eager to learn.
• You are keen to work with partners to link real‑world challenges to fundamental research questions.

Conditions of Employment

• Duration of contract: 3.5 months (temporary)
• Job of 35–40 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• Possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.