Postdoc position in EMT reference models of microgrids and customer-side assets for UTOPYS

• Develop and validate EMT models of microgrids and customer-side components in RSCAD/RTDS, for example converters and their controls (GFM and GFL), PV panels, EV chargers, Heat-Pumps, energy storage, backup generators, loads and flexibility assets, taking into account their link to a tertiary control layer such as an Energy Management System.
• Create an RTDS library of customer-side, microgrid and converter-based components, and a working, realistic RTDS microgrid model built from those components that can be integrated with the larger UTOPYS RTDS model
• Combine that library into reference system models that reproduce the phenomena UTOPYS is meant to study at this part of the power system, such as islanding, frequency and voltage collapse, converter-driven instability, interoperability under different control strategies, transition from GFM to GFL and vice versa, black start capability.
• Work out how such models are built to last: conversion from other tools, parameterisation, scalability and model reduction, documentation, version control, testing and validation criteria.
• Publish your models, datasets and methods open access, and present them in journals and at conferences.

Requirements

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, power systems or a closely related field.
• A solid background in power system dynamics and electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation.
• Proven experience with modelling, simulation and analysis of power systems (steady-state and dynamic) using software such as OpenDSS, pandapower, Matpower, PSCAD, DiGSILENT PowerFactory, RSCAD/RTDS, EMTP, Simulink/Simscape, OPAL-RT, Typhoon HIL, or PyPSA.
• Proven experience with programming languages, e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, Python, c++, etc.
• Strong ability to present results effectively and prepare scientific papers for publication in international journals and conferences.
• Creative mindset with excellent problem-solving, writing, analytical, and communication skills.
• Able to work independently while demonstrating strong teamwork skills in an interdisciplinary and international environment.
• Enthusiasm for open science.

• Hands-on experience with RTDS/RSCAD, real-time simulation or hardware-in-the-loop set-ups.
• Expertise in one or more of: converter control and grid-forming/grid-following operation; microgrids modelling; model order reduction; parameter estimation and model validation; large-scale or synthetic network modelling.
• Experience in converting or interfacing models between different simulation tools.
• Experience in contributing to courses and training.
• Experience in coordinating technical work across a team or between partners: setting modelling standards or interfaces, integrating contributions from others, leading a work package or acting as technical lead.

Contract terms

• A full-time position for 1 year, with a possibility of 2 years extension according to performance, and the flexibility to work (partially) from home. The primary workplace for this role is the University of Twente, with regular sessions held at TU Delft (initially on a weekly basis).
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from €4.422,- to €5.760,- depending on qualifications and experience.
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus.
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).