Help build the model library at the heart of UTOPYS, a new national facility for real-time power system simulations.
Job description
Future power systems are converter-dominated, fast, and interconnected across scales that today's modelling tools cannot capture. UTOPYS (Understanding Large and Complex Power Systems) addresses this with a state-of-the-art real-time power system simulator: a large RTDS cluster at TU Delft's ESP Lab that simulates thousands of nodes in full electromagnetic transient (EMT) detail, in real time, and that can be coupled to hardware, SCADA systems and other simulators. UTOPYS is a ten-year national research infrastructure (2026-2036) built by a consortium of eight Dutch universities and research institutes, coordinated by TU Delft. A simulator of this size is only as valuable as the models that run on it. The first phase of UTOPYS is therefore dedicated to the UTOPYS Library: an open, modular and validated collection of EMT component models, reference system models, scenarios and datasets that will serve the consortium, external academic users and industry for the coming decade. TU Delft is recruiting two postdocs to lay its foundations. This vacancy focuses on the library's transmission backbone and on coordinating model integration.
What you will do
- Design and build a scalable RSCAD/RTDS model of a large 380/220 kV transmission system: the backbone into which all UTOPYS models are integrated and tested.
- Define the library's architecture, interfaces, modelling standards and testing workflow with the partner postdocs.
- Act as technical lead for integration: plan integration sprints, review and merge partner contributions, and track what runs, what breaks and why.
- Build the library to last: model conversion from other tools, scalability and model reduction, documentation, version control and validation criteria.
- Publish your models, datasets and methods open access, and present them in journals and at conferences.
How this position fits
You own the backbone and the integration workflow, while the other TU Delft postdoc develops detailed high-voltage component, substation and protection models that plug into it. Part of your role is technical coordination: agreeing interfaces and standards with partners, preparing the technical side of consortium meetings and demo days, and making sure contributions come together as one working system.
Where and with whom
You will join the Intelligent Electrical Power Grids (IEPG) section and work alongside the UTOPYS postdocs at the partner institutes and with TU Delft staff and PhD students working on HVDC, protection, wide-area stability and cyber-physical power systems. Progress is shared in regular consortium meetings and demonstration days.
What the position offers you
- Real-time EMT expertise on a one-of-a-kind infrastructure: a scarce and sought-after skill set in academia, at system operators and in industry.
- Visible, citable output. Library models and datasets are published open access with a DOI, credited to their developers, and will be used internationally for years.
- Opportunities to contribute to the UTOPYS summer school and RTDS training courses, and represent the programme internationally.
About the department
The research in the Department of Electrical Sustainable Energy is inspired by the technical, scientific, and societal challenges originating from the transition towards a more sustainable society and focuses on four areas:
- DC Systems, Energy Conversion and Storage (DCE&S)
- Photovoltaic Materials and Devices (PVMD)
- Intelligent Electrical Power Grids (IEPG)
- High Voltage Technologies (HVT)
The department owns a large ESP Laboratory assembling High Voltage testing, DC Grids testing environment, and large RTDS that is actively used for real-time simulation of future electrical power systems, AC and DC protection and wide-area monitoring and protection. The Intelligent Electrical Power Grid (IEPG) group works on the future of our power system.
Job requirements
We are looking for candidates who bring:
- A PhD in electrical engineering, power systems or a closely related field, obtained or close to completion.
- A solid background in power system dynamics and electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation.
- Demonstrable experience with at least one power system simulation package, for example RSCAD/RTDS, PSCAD, EMTP, PowerFactory, Simulink/Simscape, OPAL-RT, Typhoon HIL, pandapower or PyPSA.
- A structured and well-documented way of working: the models you build must be picked up, understood and extended by others.
- Enthusiasm for working as part of a team on a shared product, and for open science.
- A good command of English, both written and spoken.
- 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.
The following are considered an asset:
- Hands-on experience with RTDS/RSCAD, real-time simulation or hardware-in-the-loop set-ups.
- Software development skills: Python, C, scripting and automation, version control, testing.
- Expertise in one or more of: converter control and grid-forming/grid-following operation; HVDC, MTDC and offshore systems; protection; machine and load 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.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.
For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.
These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.
At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.
Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.
Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.
Conditions of employment
- Duration of contract is 2 years. Temporary.
- A job of 36-40 hours per week.
- Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
- An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
- The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
- Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
- Flexible working week.
- Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
- Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
- Partially paid parental leave
- Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is …