Area of research: Diploma & Master Thesis
Investigate current challenges and bottlenecks in power flow analysis for large scale electrical distribution grids
Apply machine learning/AI or surrogate modeling (e.g., neural networks, graph neural networks, physics-informed ML) to approximate PF results
Train models using simulation results generated from conventional power flow solvers
Integrate models with the existing synthetic grid package
Very good performance in your Master’s studies in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Geoinformatics, Energy Systems, or related field
Very good knowledge of Machine Learning and AI algorithms
Solid programming skills in Python and familiarity with machine learning libraries (e.g., Experience working with geospatial data (e.g., Experience or interest in applying machine learning to engineering simulations
Strong analytical skills, ability to communicate and document research results clearly in English (B2)
Experience with GIS tools and libraries (QGIS, GDAL), power system simulation tools (e.g., PyPSA, pandapower, etc)
Knowledge of surrogate modeling, GNNs or Physics-Informed ML
We support you in your work with:
~MEANINGFUL TASKS: Your thesis deals with a future-oriented, socially relevant topic with direct practical relevance in an international environment
~With us, you will gain valuable practical experience alongside your studies and actively participate in interdisciplinary projects
~You can expect excellent scientific equipment, modern technologies, and qualified support from experienced colleagues
~ONBOARDING & TEAMWORK: You can look forward to working in a dedicated, international, and collegial team. It is important to us that you quickly settle into the team and are given structured training for your tasks. We also support you from the very beginning and make your start easier with our Welcome Days and Welcome Guide: go.fzj.de/welcome
~WORK-LIFE BALANCE: We offer flexible working hours, possible 100% home office, to help you balance your professional and personal life. Flexible working hours make it easier for you to balance work and study
~In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: go.fzj.de/benefits
Further information on the project is available at:
A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.
This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. 500 people on staff in 18 national Research Centers and an annual budget of more than 6 billion euros, the Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific organization. The name Helmholtz stands for concerted research, in which networks form the key principle behind inquiring thought and action.
The Helmholtz Association performs cutting-edge research which contributes substantially to solving the grand challenges of science, society and industry. To succeed in meeting these responsibilities, Helmholtz concentrates its work in six research fields: Within each of these fields, research programs are developed by our scientists and regularly evaluated by renowned international experts. Their evaluation forms the basis for the program-oriented funding that is allocated to Helmholtz research. Within the six research fields, Helmholtz scientists cooperate with each other and with external partners – working across disciplinary, organizational and national borders.
Moreover, Helmholtz specializes in large-scale research infrastructures – from accelerator facilities, earth observation satellites, research ships to supercomputers. They form the basis for scientific advances in tackling global societal challenges. Managing national research infrastructure is part of the Helmholtz Association's mission.
Helmholtz scientists, a high-performance infrastructure and modern and efficient research management are the ingredients to the Helmholtz Association‘s success and global impact.
Promoting young researchers is a major priority for the Helmholtz Association. Its qualification schemes for young researchers are geared mainly towards PhD students, postdocs and young managers. The Helmholtz Association has set high standards for its talent management. Its strategy begins with targeted recruitment of highly qualified staff at all levels, followed by comprehensive support aimed at further developing their potential. Ensuring equal opportunities is an essential element in all talent management activities undertaken by the Helmholtz Association.
The Helmholtz Graduate Schools and Research Schools at almost all Helmholtz Centers provide doctoral students with the general and specific skills and training they need, as well as ample opportunity to network. For this reason, we established Career Development Centers for postdoctoral researchers in the Helmholtz Centers. This equips young researchers with the skills they need to go on to head a Helmholtz Investigator Group, for example. As an Investigator Group leader, junior scientists can independently set up their own group to conduct research in their specialist field and acquire management skills.
Within its talent management strategy, the Helmholtz Association pays special attention to the increased recruitment of talented female scientists both from Germany and abroad. To this end, there are currently two funding programs supporting this policy: and Helmholtz Distinguished Professorship – Funding for the recruitment of leading international female scientists (W3).
The increasing complexity of the content, structures and framework conditions of scientific work today requires researchers to organize their projects, their employees and, of course, themselves in a highly professional and effective way. In response to these demands, we have set up the Helmholtz Leadership Academy to provide leaders in science with professional management training. All of this combined makes the 18 Research Centers of the Helmholtz Association a highly attractive environment for talented researchers from all over the world.