PhD Position - Control System for the Climate-Neutral Operation of the Einstein Telescope’s Computing Centre

At the Institute of Climate and Energy Systems - Energy Systems Engineering (ICE-1), we develop advanced models, algorithms, and control solutions for simulating, optimizing, and operating future integrated energy systems. We address the challenges arising from the increasing integration of renewable energy, sector coupling, decentralization, and growing energy infrastructure complexity. The Control Solutions department develops methods and algorithms for controlling energy systems and their components. We focus on application-oriented methods that can operate in real time and are suitable for operating decentralized systems. We aim to enable the reliable, cost-efficient, resilient, and sustainable operation of future energy networks by combining our knowledge of energy systems with cutting-edge developments in machine learning, and digital infrastructures.

• Vertragsart: Vollzeit

Angebot

• Team & Environment: You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary focus – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe in connection with RWTH Aachen University under the supervision of Prof. Benigni.
• Research & Infrastructure: You get the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research topics at the intersection of Generative AI, smart grids, and energy systems, closely aligned with major German and European initiatives. On top, you have access to unique real-world datasets and experimental infrastructures from the FZJ campus such as the Living Lab Energy Campus (LLEC) and our Hardware in the Loop (HiL) laboratory.
• Networking & Exchange: You will participate in (international) conferences and project meetings and actively build your scientific network
• Work-life balance: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
• Annual Leave: You get 30 days of annual leave
• Knowledge & Development: Your professional development is important to us – we support you specifically and individually e.g., through training and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral candidates (JuDocS). if needed, you will also have the possibility to attend language courses (e.g., German) offered by the research center.
• Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive company health management programme with a wide range of options, including a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counselling team are available to assist you on site
• Fair remuneration: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund. In addition to the basic salary, there is an additional year-end bonus under the collective pay agreement amounting to 75%. All information about the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website (pay scale table on page 66 ff. of the PDF download)
• Perspective: The position is initially offered for a fixed term of 3.5 years, with the first six months serving as an orientation and probation period.
• Support for international employees: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

Aufgaben

The Einstein Telescope is a next-generation research infrastructure currently in development, featuring a large-scale computing center whose energy demands present a unique opportunity: to develop climate-neutral operations through the integration of renewable energy sources and hybrid storage systems. As part of an EU-funded research project, ICE-1 is collaborating with research groups and companies to address the challenge of designing and operating the Einstein Telescope’s computing center in a sustainable and energy-efficient manner.The project’s main goal is to develop and validate an innovative, scalable energy concept in which the computing infrastructure and energy system are tightly coupled and jointly optimized. During the project, a container-scale prototype will be realized, which will combine a fully operational computing stack with a flexible, renewable-based energy system incorporating both battery and hydrogen storage. Alongside the physical prototype, a comprehensive co-simulation environment will be developed using hardware-in-the-loop components, enabling realistic scale-up to a full computing center and systematic evaluation of advanced operating strategies. Specifically, the PhD candidate will be involved in the development of model predictive control to operate the energy system and IT load largely self-sufficiently under varying weather conditions, with particular focus on the role of battery and hydrogen storage during Dunkelflaute periods. The developed algorithm will be first test in the hardware-in-the-loop environment developed together with the other partners. After that, the same algorithm will be tested on the real container-scale prototype. Your tasks within framework in detail:

• Development of the predictive-based control algorithm for the proposed carbon-neutral computing centre
• Testing of the control algorithm in the hardware-in-the-loop environment
• Interaction of the developed algorithm with the data from the container-size prototype
• Integration of the data from the prototype and from other project partners’ components
• Coordination with the other project partners
• Coordination with the internal technical department of Forschungszentrum Jülich
• Participation in conferences in Germany and abroad (incl. presenting your research results)
• Preparing scientific publications and project reports
• Mentoring master students

Profil

• Excellent Master’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related field
• Experience with real-time simulations, digital twins, or hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) validation is considered a plus
• Excellent programming skills (e.g., Python, Matlab, C/C++) and experience with AI/ML frameworks
• Familiarity with power systems, energy informatics, or digital energy infrastructures is an advantage
• Experience with different communication protocols is considered a plus
• Interest in multi-energy systems and smart grids
• Experience with synthetic data generation is welcome
• Strong motivation for interdisciplinary and collaborative research in an international environment
• Very good command of written and spoken English with extensive vocabulary is required (at least B2 level according to the CEFR), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level. In addition, your business fluent German skills complete your profile (Prior German knowledge is not required)

Über uns

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us. The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey