One or more PhD Stipends in Coordinated Control Interactions and Local Stability of Asynchronous Grids

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, AAU Energy, one or more positions as PhD stipend is available within the general study program. The stipend is open for appointment from September 1, 2026, or soon hereafter. The duration of the position is three years.

The position is offered in relation to the research group "Reliability of Power Electronic Converters" and the PhD Student will be positioned to the section for Applied Power Electronic Systems.

As this project departs fundamentally from frequency as a global stability metric, the aim of this PhD project is to firstly conceptualize and model new local stability metrics for asynchronous grids. This will require design of new control structures that coordinate power electronics using internet acting as the cyber layer. The control interactions and stability analysis under different delays, link failure and inconsistencies within the cyber layer must be studied with its implications on the asynchronous grid layer. Finally, these studies will be carried out within each and across asynchronous grids to improve the energy routing schemes and forecasting of energy buffers across them. These studies need to be carried out under dynamic as well as contingent conditions in power grids.

Applicants are required to have an excellent academic background with a masters degree or equivalent in Energy Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Control theory, Cyber-physical systems, or any other related discipline, potentially with skills in Power Electronics. Applicants who are in the final phase of their masters degree are also encouraged to apply but have to complete the master before starting the fellowship.

You have a solid academic foundation in power systems, control theory or power electronics, and an interest in working across disciplinary boundaries, including aspects of communication networks and cyber-physical systems. Experience with modelling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, PLECS or PSCAD is an advantage, as is familiarity with distributed control, communication in engineering systems, or smart energy technologies.

You are motivated to carry out research that combines theoretical development with system-level understanding, and you are able to approach complex problems in a structured and analytical manner. You take responsibility for your own progress while contributing actively to collaborative research efforts, and you are comfortable working in an international and interdisciplinary environment.

You communicate clearly in English, both in writing and orally, and you are able to present your work to different audiences, including researchers from other disciplines and external collaborators. PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years.

AAU Energy is a research department at Aalborg University dedicated to the development of clean and sustainable energy systems. Our activities cover electrical, thermal and mechatronic energy technologies, and we work closely with industrial partners and other academic environments to address real world energy challenges.

We offer access to advanced laboratory and workshop facilities and an environment where you can develop your academic profile through research, teaching and collaboration with both Danish and international external partners. As a workplace we value a collegial and inclusive culture with room for professional discussion, initiative and mutual support in everyday life. New colleagues, whether they come from elsewhere in Denmark or from abroad, can draw on the universitys support services related to relocation, housing and practical matters.

You can read more about AAU Energy at www.energy.aau.dk. Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Diplomas (bachelor's and master's degree diploma, including grades)

• Project description (4-5 pages), that: describes the applicants initial thoughts and ideas related to the specific project applied for. This includes a brief state-of-the-art (including short list of references), a time schedule and how the applicant intends to shed light on the project objectives.

• Other relevant documents

The application must be submitted via Aalborg Universitys recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website.

For professional questions, please contact Associated Professor Subham Sahoo, sssa@energy.aau.dk, +45 9940 7088 or Professor Frede Blaabjerg, fbl@energy.aau.dk, +45 2129 2454.

Selected candidates will be invited for an interview. Interviews are expected to be held during June 2026. Further information Read more about our recruitment process here.

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts. Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

When pursuing a PhD at Aalborg University, you'll receive a stipend which includes both salary and pension benefits. The base salary starts at a minimum of 31.242,75 DKK before taxes, with an additional 18,07% added for pension contributions. However, the final salary can be negotiated based on your qualifications and experience, with seniority playing a key role in determining the main salary. Read more about pension options here.

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (in Danish) There is a mutual probationary period of 3 months for the position.

Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.