Your Job:
In this PhD project, you will shape the future of power system security by harnessing exascale computing. Your research will focus on understanding and enhancing grid resilience under extreme scenarios.
Your tasks:
1. Conduct security and resilience studies for highly stressed systems (, multiple faults, high renewable shares, or equipment failures).
2. Evaluate system vulnerabilities and design recovery and stability strategies using large-scale simulation workflows.
3. Build and expand realistic, continent-scale power system models (, the European transmission grid).
4. Implement and test GPU-capable, parallelized simulation frameworks.
5. Work closely with experts in HPC and power systems to enhance scalability and computational performance.
6. Disseminate your findings through scientific publications, conferences, and collaborations
7. Supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s students and represent the institute in national and international research contexts
Your Profile:
8. An excellent Master’s degree in electrical engineering, computational engineering, or a related discipline
9. A strong foundation in power system modelling and simulation
10. Solid programming skills (Python, C++, or comparable languages)
11. Interest in high-performance computing, numerical simulation
12. Fluent in written and spoken English
13. Independent, analytical, and team-oriented working style
You are independent, motivated, and passionate about shaping the energy transition—if this describes you, we encourage you to apply!
Our Offer:
Join a diverse and supportive research group at one of Europe’s leading research centers, where you will work on cutting-edge energy system models developing solutions for Europe energy system decarbonization. You will have access world-class infrastructure (including the Jülich Supercomputing Centre), and develop skills to advance your future career in academia or industry.
We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:
14. Pursue a PhD at RWTH Aachen University under the supervision of Prof. Benigni
15. Access cutting-edge infrastructure, including the Jülich Supercomputing Centre
16. Participate in projects, meetings, and international conferences
17. 30 days of annual leave and flexible working arrangements, including partial remote work
18. Strong support and mentoring for building a career in academia or industry
19. Professional development through JuDocS, including training courses, networking, and structured continuing education ( )
20. Targeted services for international employees, through our International Advisory Service
The position is for a fixed term of 3,5 years, where the first 6 months serve as orientation and probation period. Pay is in line with 13 (75%) of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). The monthly salaries in euro can be found on the BMI website: