Postdoc on Real-Time EMT Modelling of Future MV/LV Distribution Systems (UTOPYS)

Postdoc on Real-Time EMT Modelling of Future MV/LV Distribution Systems (UTOPYS)

• Personal type: Scientific staff
• Field of expertise: Postdoctorate
• Organisation: Department of Electrical Engineering
• Apply no later than: 14-11-2026
• Full-time equivalent: 1.0 FTE
• Salary: € 4.422 - € 5.760

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Introduction

The UTOPYS project is a state-of-the-art Large-Scale Research Infrastructure (LSRI) initiative funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO). UTOPYS aims to revolutionize the science of power systems by creating a state-of-the-art real-time electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulator. This infrastructure will enable unprecedented research into the dynamics, control, and market design of future power systems dominated by renewables, power electronics, and cyber-physical interactions.

As a consortium of leading Dutch universities and research institutes (TU Delft, TU Eindhoven, University of Twente, University of Groningen, CWI, Utrecht University, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and Radboud University), UTOPYS will drive scientific breakthroughs in mathematical modeling, control strategies, and policy/regulatory frameworks for complex power systems.

We are seeking a motivated and creative postdoctoral researcher to join our team and contribute to the development, validation, and application of the UTOPYS infrastructure.

Job Description

The energy transition is reshaping power systems at an unprecedented pace, introducing complexity that challenges our fundamental understanding of grid stability, control, and market design. As renewable energy, power electronics, and digitalization dominate the grid, we face unexplained blackouts, wide-area oscillations, and cyber-physical vulnerabilities that traditional theories cannot address. The question is no longer if these challenges will arise, but how we can predict, mitigate, and design systems to handle them. This is where you come in.

In this job, you will join UTOPYS to establish the foundations for groundbreaking research on the one of the largest real-time electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulator. The UTOPYS consortium includes 8 Dutch universities and research institutes, along with industry partners like power system operators. You will have access to cutting-edge facilities, including the real-time power-hardware-in-the-loop simulators within the EES Smart Grid Lab at TU/e and the Electrical Sustainable Power Lab at TU Delft.

Your role will focus on developing, validating, and simulating realistic EMT reference models of future MV/LV distribution systems assembled from the TU/e component library using the UTOPYS infrastructure. You’ll create high-fidelity models focused on how grid-operator assets are operated together, including protection schemes and their coordination across the network, DSO operating paradigms such as voltage and congestion management, reconfiguration, curtailment and the use of flexibility, and the provision of power system ancillary services from within the MV system including frequency control, voltage/reactive power control, black start capabilities and fault ride through, to enable research for uncovering the root causes of instability, blackouts, and other emergent power system phenomena.

Your research will directly inform new mathematical frameworks, control strategies, and market designs, ensuring that the grids of tomorrow are stable, fair, and resilient.

Job Requirements

• Motivated researcher, with a PhD in electrical power engineering research, or a comparable domain.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• A team player who enjoys coaching PhD and Master's students and working in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.
• A proven ability to manage complex projects to completion on schedule.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English, good communication and leadership skills.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station.

In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10, ranging from € 4,422 (step 4) to € 5,760 gross base salary per month (full-time).
• In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.
• As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.
• Unlimited access to the modern on-campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) and a compensation for moving expenses.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community. Discover what Light Up means to TU/e in our short company video.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world-leading tech region with more than 7,000 high-tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Niels Blaauwbroek, Assistant Professor, n.blaauwbroek@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HRServices.ee@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• List of up to five self-selected ‘best publications’.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Reference number: 2026/638

Apply now