Postdoctoral researcher in advanced control of AI-based energy systems

Job description

We invite applications for a postdoctoral position contributing to the digital and sustainable transformation of building energy systems. The position focuses on developing and applying advanced control strategies and AI-driven optimization methods to enhance the design, operation, and cost-effectiveness of building- and district-level energy systems. Key research areas include predictive and adaptive control, data-driven optimization, and intelligent energy management of thermal systems, with the goal of achieving clean, efficient, and cost-effective heating and cooling production.

The work will investigate how advanced control and optimization can be utilized to reduce operating costs, mitigate peak electricity and heating demand, and improve system flexibility and resilience. The research will also emphasize integration of renewable energy sources, thermal storage, sector coupling, and heat pump technologies.

The successful candidate will develop models and simulations in advanced software environments, contribute to high-quality scientific publications, and collaborate with international research groups, industry partners, and energy providers.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degreein in Energy Technology, Building Services, Building Physics, Civil or Architectural Engineering, or a closely related field. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced control (e.g., Model Predictive Control, adaptive or optimal control), AI, or machine learning.
• Extensive experience in building energy system simulation.
• Strong background in energy system design, optimization, and control.
• Solid understanding of electricity and district heating pricing structures, with the ability to integrate cost aspects into life-cycle assessments.
• Strong programming skills and experience implementing and testing optimization and control algorithms.
• Experience in teaching and supervision at bachelor's and master's levels.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken, as it is required in the daily work

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and conferences in relevant areas such as energy systems, control, and optimization.
• Experience with district heating/cooling integration, thermal energy storage, and renewable energy systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in international research environments.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Join us at KTH

KTH shapes the future through education, research and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in advancing the transition towards a sustainable society. At KTH, you have the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic environment, with good working conditions and attractive benefits. Equality, diversity and equal opportunities are essential to quality and form an integral part of KTH’s core values as a university and public authority.

Learn more about our benefits and what it's like to work and grow at KTH.

Trade union representatives

Contact information to trade union representatives.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

• CV including relevant professional experience and publication list.
• Copy of doctoral degree certificate.
• A brief research statement (maximum 2 pages) describing your experience, skills, and research interests, with reference to your Ph.D. thesis.
• Names and contact information of at least two referees.

NOTE: Your complete application should not exceed 6 pages. Do not attach any paper or thesis.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, three years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Others

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It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant's consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.