PhD position within mathematical models for power systems stability

About the position

A PhD position in mathematical modelling of power systems is available at the Department of Physics at the Faculty of Science and Technology.

The PhD position is for a period of 3 years.

Desired start date: 02.01.2025

Power grid systems are intricate networks responsible for the transmission and distribution of electrical energy from generation facilities to end-users. These systems encompass both synchronous generators as well as inverter-based generators. The reliability and efficiency of power grids are contingent upon the precise coordination and control of these diverse components. As the name implies, a power grid is a network – or graph – of interacting units. The study of these networks is coined graph theory. Power grids can be conceptualised as diffusively coupled networks, where nodes represent generators and edges denote transmission lines. Simultaneously, they can be viewed as flow networks, where power flows from sources to sinks in a directed manner. 

This graph-theoretic perspective permits the study of the dynamical behaviour of the grid – be it via the dynamical variables such as rotor angle, frequency, and voltage, or directly via its complex power. It can help tackle particular issues such as the synchronisation of generators or bottlenecks in the flow of power under various operational scenarios.

The successful candidate will work towards developing mathematical models that aid in describing and prescribing stability in networks coupled complex systems, with a particular focus on power systems models.

The person appointed will be affiliated with the University’s organised research training. The academic work is to result in a doctoral thesis that will be defended at the University with a view to obtaining the degree of PhD.

The successful candidate is expected to join the existing research milieu and network and contribute to its development. Read more about the doctoral degree.

Main tasks

Description of tasks or PhD project:

• Perform scientific research and publish the outcome through relevant scientific channels.
• Develop an academic career and acquire strong scientific competences.
• Be a cooperative member of the research team and collaborate with other project partners.
• Take part in joint research activities such as case studies, data collection, and analysis.

The successful candidate is expected to enter a plan for the progress of the work towards a PhD degree during the first months of the appointment, with a view to completing a doctorate within the PhD scholarship period.

Competence

Required qualifications

• A Master's degree or equivalent in Mathematics, Physics, or an adjacent field. Foreign degrees must correspond with the admission criteria for the PhD program.
• Proficiency in both written and oral English in correspondence with the admission criteria for the PhD program.
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position.

The following experiences and skills will be emphasized:

• Acquaintance with mathematical modelling, in particular, with graph theory, dynamic systems, and complex system’s analysis.
• Aquaintance with numerical models for network analysis.
• Familiarity with energy systems, in particular, with power systems and power systems stability problems.

Personal qualities:

• Good collaboration skills and an ability to join interdisciplinary academic communities.
• Good communicative skills.
• Willing to travel and interact with various research groups.
• Focus on self development.

The successful applicant must meet the conditions defined for admission to a PhD programme at NMBU. For more detailed information on the admission criteria please see the PhD Regulations and the relevant PhD programme description.

Remuneration and further information

We offer:

• Salary 532200 NOK per annum. For exceptionally well qualified candidates a higher salary may be considered.
• Government pay scale position code 1017 PhD Research Fellow.

Formal regulations

The appointment is to be made in accordance with Regulations on terms of employment for positions such as postdoctoral fellow, Phd candidate, research assistant and specialist candidate and Regulations concerning the degrees of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) at the Norwegian University of Life Science (NMBU)

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NMBU.

For further information, please contact Dr. Leonardo Rydin Gorjão, Associate Professor, Department of Physics.

E-mail: leonardo.rydin.gorjao@nmbu.no; phone +47 453 44 227 (do not use this e-mail for application, it is only for questions)

Information to applicants

NMBU

Application

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the 'Apply for this job' button above. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

Application deadline: 15.10.2024

Please note that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.

By applying the candidate confirms that information and documentation submitted via the job application can also be used by NMBU in a possible admission process to the PhD program.

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged. Applicants invited for an interview are expected to present original diplomas and certificates.

The application must include:

• Motivation letter (maximum 1 page)
• Curriculum Vitae (with a list of education, positions, teaching experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activities, including a complete list of publications)
• Certified copies of academic diplomas and certificates. (i.e. Diploma, transcript. Diploma supplement for both bachelor and master). Diplomas, transcripts and diploma supplements that are not in Norwegian or English must be uploaded in the original language. An English translation of these documents must also be attached.
• Applicants from universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a diploma supplement, or a similar document, which describes in detail the study program and grading system.
• Documentation of proficiency in written and oral English in accordance with NMBU PhD regulation section 5-2 (3).
• Names and contact details for two references.
• Additional relevant documentation of professional knowledge (for example, list of scientific works). If it is difficult to judge the applicant’s contribution for publications with multiple authors, a short description of the applicant’s contribution must be included.

About The Faculty of Science and Technology

The Faculty of Science and Technology (REALTEK) develops research-based knowledge and educates civil engineers and lecturers needed to reach the UN's sustainability goals. We have approximately 150 employees, 70 PhD students and soon 1500 students. The education and research at REALTEK cover a broad spectrum of disciplines.

This includes data science, mechanics and process engineering, robotics, construction and architecture, industrial economics, environmental physics and renewable energy, geomatics, water and environmental engineering, applied mathematics as well as secondary school teacher education in natural sciences and use of natural resources such as in agriculture, forestry and aquaculture. The workplace is in Ås, 30 km from Oslo.

What is it really like to work at the Faculty of Science and Technology (REALTEK) at NMBU?

 - Guided tour of the Faculty of Science and Technology on Vimeo

NMBU

The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)

NMBU will contribute to securing the future of life through outstanding research, education, communication and innovation. We have the country's most satisfied university students, who receive research-based education in a unique student environment. Our graduates gain a high level of competence in interdisciplinary collaboration and are popular in the labor market.

NMBU has internationally leading research environments in several subjects. Together with our partners in society and business, we contribute to solving some of the biggest societal challenges of our time. We focus on innovation, communication and entrepreneurship because we believe these challenges are best solved with joint efforts. We believe that a good working environment is characterized by diversity.If necessary, workplace adaptations will be made for persons with disabilities. More information about NMBU is available at www.nmbu.no/en