Ph.D. Positions: 25004_Energy Communities & Local Electricity Markets

Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Spain

Updated: 2 months ago
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 19 Sep 2025

19 Feb 2025
Job Information
Organisation/Company

Universidad Pontificia Comillas
Department

Institute for Research in Technology
Research Field

Engineering » Electrical engineering
Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions

PhD Positions
Country

Spain
Application Deadline

19 Sep 2025 - 09:28 (Europe/Brussels)
Type of Contract

Other
Type of Contract Extra Information

Full time Annual Contract
Job Status

Full-time
Hours Per Week

37.5
Offer Starting Date

24 Mar 2025
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher to join an exciting research project on the design, modelling, and evaluation of participation in local electricity and flexibility markets for energy communities based on Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). The successful candidate will analyse the regulatory framework, develop market models integrating AI-driven autonomous strategies, and validate them through high-performance simulations and hardware-in-the-loop emulations. This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of energy systems, artificial intelligence, and market design, contributing to the future of smart energy communities.  

Candidates should have, at least, a master's degree of relevant disciplines. The work could easily lead to a Ph.D. degree.  

Annual Salary: € 31.472,55 (First year).

Additional benefits: Access to all university services (sports, cultural activities, library, etc.) and a dynamic, innovative working environment.

Project duration: Until 31st December 2028

The work is funded by "Comunidad de Madrid" with the project PREDFLEX-CM (ref. TEC-2024/ECO-287) through the R&D Activity Programme "Tecnologías 2024". Order 5696/2024, 10 of December 2024, from the Secretary of Education, Science and Universities.

Brief Summary of the Scientific-Technical Objectives of the R&D Activity Programme in English 

PREDFLEX-CM aims to develop an intelligent system for monitoring and energy management in medium- and low-voltage networks, efficiently integrating renewable sources, storage, and consumption through Virtual Power Plants and Digital Twins of prosumers. The project seeks to ensure effective coordination between the Distribution System Operator and prosumers to maximise benefits from energy exchange, including dynamic modelling, participation in local flexibility markets, and the application of artificial intelligence. Additionally, network planning will be addressed for future scenarios with higher electrification, including electric vehicles and electrolysers, and its feasibility will be validated through hardware-in-the-loop emulations in the consortium’s leading laboratories.  

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in energy systems, electrical engineering, or related fields, with knowledge in optimisation and numerical techniques applied to energy management. A solid understanding of decentralised energy resources, Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), and market mechanisms is highly desirable. Experience with modelling and simulation tools such as Python (GurobiPy, PandaPower) is a preferred requirement. Knowledge of the Spanish and European regulatory framework for the electricity sector is also preferred. Strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work independently within a multidisciplinary research team are essential. 

Specific Requirements

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Academic transcript
  • Cover letter and motivation
  • Two letters of recommendation

Where to apply
Website
https://www.iit.comillas.edu/investiga_nosotros/index.php.en

Requirements
Research Field
Engineering » Electrical engineering
Education Level
Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in energy systems, electrical engineering, or related fields, with knowledge in optimisation and numerical techniques applied to energy management. A solid understanding of decentralised energy resources, Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), and market mechanisms is highly desirable. Experience with modelling and simulation tools such as Python (GurobiPy, PandaPower) is a preferred requirement. Knowledge of the Spanish and European regulatory framework for the electricity sector is also preferred. Strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work independently within a multidisciplinary research team are essential. 


Specific Requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Academic transcript
  • Cover letter and motivation
  • Two letters of recommendation

Languages
ENGLISH
Level
Excellent

Additional Information
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available
1
Company/Institute
Universidad Pontificia Comillas
Country
Spain
City
Madrid
Postal Code
28005
Street
c/ Rey Francisco, 4
Geofield


Contact
City

Madrid
Website

http://www.iit.comillas.edu
Street

c/ Rey Francisco, 4
Postal Code

28005

STATUS: EXPIRED

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