Research Position on Modeling of Energy Systems and Industrial Decarbonization

At the division of Applied Mechanics and Energy Conversion (TME) of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at KU Leuven, and embedded in EnergyVille, a dynamic research group led by Prof. Erik Delarue works/focuses on advanced modeling of energy systems and markets. Our research spans various critical areas including unit commitment, system planning, equilibrium modeling, agent-based modeling, renewables integration, energy policy, and energy market design. In the Energy Systems Integration and Modeling (ESIM) research group, PhD students and post-docs work on modeling and applications to energy and climate policies.
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Project

With the Green Deal, the EU has the ambition to become carbon neutral by 2050. This will imply a massive transformation of our entire energy system. This transformation includes a change in the use of our primary energy vectors, as well as in end-use sectors such as energy-intensive industries. As part of a larger European-funded project, we aim to identify and evaluate pathways and market uptakes of transformative solutions leading to circular, climate-neutral, and competitive industries.

To achieve this objective, we will develop and dploy energy system models. We are currently offering a research position (PhD/post-doc) specifically dedicated to the development of agent-based models. These models will be used to explore how energy and environmental policies shape and constrain both the decisions made by industrial players and the dynamics of the system as a whole.

If you are interested/motivated to do research in this domain, we encourage you to notify us/apply via the procedure explained below.

Profile

We are looking for highly motivated, enthusiastic and communicative researchers with a Master of Science degree (or PhD, if applying for post-doc) in Engineering or a related field, from a reputable institute. You should have obtained excellent study results.

Candidates should have a strong interest in energy, especially in energy system operation and planning, as well as energy markets, policy and modeling. Experience with Matlab/Python/GAMS/Julia is a plus, as well as experience with agent-based models. Candidates with a background in a.o. economics, operations research are also encouraged to apply. Applicants should also have good English communication skills.

The candidate can start from existing energy systems models and dedicated expertise available in the research group and will collaborate with other research group members.

Offer

KU Leuven is among the top European universities. It is a key player in the field of energy research, also through the collaboration within EnergyVille.

We offer:

• A doctoral scholarship for four years (net monthly salary of about ~€2,500) and a PhD degree in Engineering, if successful / A post-doc position for one year (competitive salary), possibly to be extended.
• A highly specialized (doctoral) training, making the candidate an expert in energy systems modeling.
• The opportunity to participate in research collaborations and international conferences.
• Multiple benefits (health insurance, access to university infrastructure, and sports facilities)

A start date will be agreed upon. This research will be performed within the framework of EnergyVille, a research collaboration on sustainable energy between KU Leuven, VITO, imec, and UHasselt.

Interested?

Applicants should express their interest by sending an email to Prof. Erik Delarue via the dedicated email address jad@kuleuven.be . The email should *strictly* contain the following information in the text body, in bullets:

- Name

- Master degree (Master specification, University + Country, Year obtained)

 - Master thesis (Title, Year, Supervisor) / PhD thesis (Title, Year, Supervisor)

- A one-paragraph (up to half an A4 page) statement explaining the motivation for applying for this vacancy at KU Leuven. We strongly encourage you to visit the research group’s website (see link above) and have a look at some of the recent publications.

Please also attach an academic CV to your email.

Please do not directly apply in the online system as referred to below. This will be only necessary for selected candidates in a second stage.

Note that if you do not receive a response to your email within two weeks, this means you have not been selected for the second stage.

Decision: as soon as a suitable candidate applies, so do not wait till the end date (indicated here below) to apply.

For more information please contact prof. Erik Delarue via jad@kuleuven.be .

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.