Postdoc DC Protection, Security, Control and Optimisation

This project offers excellent opportunity to work on novel aspects related to control and protection concepts for multi-terminal HVDC power systems.

Job description

In the framework of the ongoing research conducted with TSOs and academic institutions, 1.5 years postdoc position will be assigned. The PROSECCO project brings direct advancements to the maturity level of HVDC grids. Doing so, it aids in realizing Europe's climate goals for 2050. Meshed HVDC grids is a key technology to integrate offshore wind and to upgrade the European power system. As such, the future power system will be a hybrid AC/DC grid where the HVDC grid seamlessly integrates with AC systems. PROSECCO addresses innovation needs in grid protection near HVDC converters and congestion management for hybrid AC/DC grids. PROSECCO utilises Model Based System engineering to have a consistent approach that is vendor neutral from design. It will advance research on (HVDC) grid protection, focusing on harmonized specifications, improved testing, multi-vendor integration, enhancing grid stability and selective protection. In congestion management, the project develops power flow schedulers, power flow control hardware, and holistic cost-benefit analysis tools.

PROSECCO will mature hybrid AC/DC grids through 4 different demonstrators across three EU member states, namely (1) unique test equipment for DC relays (2) DC protection relays being installed in actual DC grids (3) a full scale DC power flow controller and (4) software to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of protection and congestion management solutions. The project also contributes to international standardization and builds confidence in TSOs, educates power system engineers, and provides recommendations to ENTSO-E.

The postdoc position deal with the design of the demonstration of the DC relay and control and protection units in the hardware-in-the-loop real-time RTDS laboratory. Furthermore, the demonstration will be continued in the DC substation. 

This is a 1.5 year postdoctoral appointment, with an anticipated starting date on 01.09.2025. You will be supervised by Dr. Aleksandra Lekić (associate professor). You will be a member of the section Intelligent Electrical Power Grids in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science. The project  offers excellent opportunities, on one side, to collaborate with with world-leading manufactuers of HVDC control and protection equipment and, on another side, with European system operators.

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 Electrical Sustainable Energy Department provides expertise in each of these areas throughout the entire energy system chain. 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. Furthermore, the department own one of the largest academic RTDS infrastructure equiped with additional labs for performing Control and Protection HiL testing.

The Intelligent Electrical Power Grid (IEPG) group, headed by Prof. Dr. Peter Palensky, works on the future of our power system. The goal is to generate, transmit and use electrical energy in a highly reliable, efficient, stable, clean, affordable, and safe way. IEPG integrates new power technologies and smart controls, which interact with other systems and allow for more distributed and variable generation.

Job requirements

• Excellent knowledge of electrical power systems and power electronics.
• Experience and comprehensive knowledge in real-time hardware-in-the-loop testing using RSCAD/RTDS.
• Excellent knowledge of power electronic devices operation, control and protection for HVDC power systems.
• Completed a Ph.D. degree in a highly technical related discipline (computer science, electrical engineering, etc.) and you were at the top of your class.
• Excellent English reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
• You are highly motivated to conduct RTDS HiL tests and investigate the performance of  future MTDC grids. You are independent, self-motivated, and eager to learn.
• You are keen to work with other co-workers and partners, link real-world challenges and contribute to the ongoing energy transition.

The candidate is required to have good knowledge about power electronic devices, control, and protection principles. It is crucial to have solid background and experience with  hardware-in-the-loop testing using RSCAD/RTDS.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) 

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty 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 12 months with prospect of extension..

• A job of 36-40 hours per week. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. 

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 available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.  . 

Additional information

We offer a pleasant working environment with a dynamic and highly knowledgable team consisting of experts from TSO utilities and manufacturers. For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. A. Lekić - A.Lekic@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Candidates are expected to apply to the post and send their full CVs. Qualified candidates will be interviewed in the first round, and short-listed candidates will be invited invited for a second interview. In case of questions concerning the application procedure, do not hesitate to contact Dr. A. Lekić - A.Lekic@tudelft.nl

Please submit (1) your CV with a list of (academic and/or industry) references, (2) a list of grades of your qualifying degrees (BSc, MSc), and (3) a cover letter with details about your motivation and compliance to the job requirements. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  

The deadline for applications is 11-05-2025, 2025 at 23:59 CET. The candidates will be screened as the applications arrive and the promissing candidates will be shortlisted and contacted before the closing of this post. The knowledge security screening may be performed.

If you are interested, do not wait to apply, we are happy to schedule an interview while the response period is running. 

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.