PhD Position Foundation AI Models (Power Systems)

TL;DR

PhD Position Foundation AI Models (Power Systems): Conducting fundamental research on foundation AI models for decision-making in distribution systems with an accent on incorporating power systems physics and topology invariance. Focus on developing mathematically rigorous methods with near-term application potential in intelligent electrical power grids.

Location: Must be based in or relocate to Delft, Netherlands

Salary: €3,059–€3,881 gross per month

Company

hirify.global is a leading technical university dedicated to pioneering research and education in engineering, energy, and AI to solve global societal challenges.

What you will do

• Develop foundation AI models tailored for power systems decision-making.
• Incorporate power systems physics into AI model architectures.
• Create topology-invariant architectures for distribution systems.
• Collaborate with industrial partners and academic researchers.
• Assist in teaching activities, including student supervision and labs.
• Publish research findings and contribute to open science initiatives.

Requirements

• MSc degree in a highly technical discipline (computer science, electrical engineering, etc.).
• Basic knowledge of power systems and machine learning/AI.
• English proficiency: C1 level (equivalent to TOEFL 100 or IELTS 7.0 per sub-skill).
• Strong analytical skills and a solid foundation in machine learning or operational research.
• Independent, self-motivated, and eager to perform research.
• Must be able to work onsite in Delft, Netherlands.

Nice to have

• Experience with optimization methods and scheduling problems.
• Proficiency with optimization packages such as Pyomo.
• Experience with Python, command-line tools, and version control.

Culture & Benefits

• Four-year doctoral appointment with a supportive research environment.
• Comprehensive benefits including 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Access to the Doctoral Education Programme for skill development.
• Support for international employees, including relocation assistance and a dual career programme.
• Flexible work schedules and discounts on health insurance.

Hiring process

• Application review based on CV, motivation letter, and grade list.
• Risk assessment regarding knowledge security conducted at the final stage.