Inegrating batteries into traction grids is finding new applications with the integration of RES and third-party users. Still, there are many power electronics and EMS challenges to solve.
Job description
Energy storage for the sake of braking energy recuperation and release will probably never have a solid business case. The often overlooked benefits of energy storage are voltage control and peak shaving when the traction grid has renewables and third-party users (houses, EV chargers, etc.) connected to it. This multi-functional use of a traction grid is an urgent necessity in times of grid congestion. Still, how do we properly size the RES system when it is connected to the DC side and faces a significant generational mismatch? How do the connected EV chargers maximize their consumption of the excess RES and braking energy generation? How can battery energy storage, at the heart of this operation, properly buffer these connected sources and loads, and how can we build a robust state estimator, with the very few available measurements, to still allow it to properly dispatch? Finally, we must design a suitable, wide-input range, wide-output range, multi-port converter to connect the Batteries, EV chargers, RES, and the traction grid together.
This PhD is fully funded by the public transport operator of Amsterdam, the GVB.
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 DC Systems, Energy Conversion and Storage (DCE&S) group is responsible for research and education in the fields of DC systems, high voltage technology, energy storage, electronic power conversion (power electronics), and electromechanics. DC systems is a multidisciplinary field of research, exploring the integration of renewable energy sources and energy storage (electric vehicles) in DC networks and systems and future DC transmission grids. The group is currently active in applications such as Direct Current distribution and transmission grids and microgrids, electrification of mobility (charging of electric vehicles), and renewable generation of electrical energy (such as wind and solar energy). Would you like to know more about the ESE department and the DCE&S group?
Please take a look at the webpage www.tudelft.nl/ewi/ese.
Job requirements
Who are we looking for?
- You have a master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline from a well-established university.
- An experience with the modeling of one or more among: Batteries, solar PV systems, power flows in DC grids, and EV charging demand.
- A solid background in power electronics and the development of experimental setups.
- Excellent English and programming skills are a requirement. Knowledge of Dutch is an advantage.
- A combination of excellent mathematical and analytical skills.
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 of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer ScienceThe 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
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €2901 - €3707 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
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
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Ibrahim Diab, e-mail: i.diab@tudelft.nl.
For information about the selection procedure, please contact Sharmila Rattansingh, management assistant email: s.rattansingh@tudelft.nl.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than
31 May 2026
via the application button and upload the following documents:- Motivation letter addressed to Dr. Ibrahim Diab that explains your personal motivation in pursuing a PhD in general, and this topic in specific, and why you would be an excellent fit to the job requirements. Please do not use ChatGPT or other tools for providing a standard/non-personalized letter.
- Your CV
- A list of grades of your qualifying degrees (BSc, MSc). Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Note that applications will be assessed on a rolling basis and suitable candidates will be invited for interview, so it is recommended not to wait until the deadline with your application. The applications for this post should be submitted through the recruitment system.
If you are interested, do not wait to apply, we are happy to schedule an interview while the response period is running.
You can address your application to Dr. Ibrahim Diab.
Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
Het salaris bedraagt €2901 - €3707