PhD Position Adaptive Optimization and Control of Offshore Energy Systems

Job description

The Netherlands targets using only sustainable energy by 2050, yet 161 offshore oil and gas facilities are still active. Integrating renewables into their daily operation during phase-out can reduce environmental impact but introduces additional uncertainty, requiring costly and time-consuming implementation of new controllers as existing infrastructure is already equipped with functioning control structures. The central question now is: How can we enable practical implementation of optimization-based control in offshore energy systems with integrated renewables by building on existing control infrastructure?

Control systems in energy-intensive industries are designed to meet three goals: satisfy demand, ensure quality, and maintain safety. The ability to meet the goals combined with simplicity of implementation have been decisive factors when developing classic control systems, with environmental impact treated as an afterthought. Data-based controllers use advanced optimization algorithms to achieve these goals and meet environmental constraints. However, the complex mathematics involved makes them far from straightforward to implement in real-world infrastructure. This project aims to propose new adaptation methods for operating offshore facilities by merging online data-driven modelling to capture degradation of equipment over time with optimization-based methods to facilitate the transition to energy neutrality.

The PhD would join the group of Dr Marta Zagorowska at Delft Center for Systems and Control (DCSC) and work together with other researchers in the area of advanced process control systems.

Teaching activities are part of your PhD trajectory and may include, for example: supervising workgroups or lab sessions, assisting in courses, or mentoring BSc and MSc students. While teaching will not be your main responsibility, it offers valuable experience that supports your development and prepares you for future academic or professional roles. Teaching activities will not exceed 20% of your total appointment, averaged over the course of your PhD.

Job requirements

The ideal candidate will be an ambitious, proactive, reflective, and results-driven researcher. We are looking for the following:

• MSc degree in Systems and Control, Chemical Engineering or similar field (essential).
• Prior experience with optimization algorithms (essential).
• Prior experience with process modelling and control (desirable).
• Prior experience with offshore energy (desirable).
• Strong collaboration, communication and writing skills.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3204 - €4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr Marta Zagorowska: m.a.zagorowska@tudelft.nl.

For more information about the application procedure, please contact Giedo Kocken, HR- advisor, recruitment-me@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 22 October 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Copies of your university degrees, and transcripts for your BSc and MSc programmes

You can address your application to Dr Marta Zagorowska.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
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