We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and communicative researcher with a PhD degree in Engineering, Economics, Operations Research or a related field, from a reputable institute.
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. 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.
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 contribute to this objective, we will develop and deploy energy system models. We are currently offering a post-doc position within this context, with also specific focus on the development and use 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.
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 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.
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:
1. A post-doc position for one year, possibly to be extended. The candidate will possibly be hired on a post-doctoral scholarship, exempt from taxes (~€2,900 net monthly)
2. Multiple benefits (health insurance, access to university infrastructure and sports facilities, etc.)
3. The opportunity to participate in an international research project, collaborations and conferences.
4. 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.