PhD Position Adaptive Optimization and Control of Offshore Energy Systems

The Netherlands targets using only sustainable energy by 2050, yet 161 offshore oil and gas facilities are still active. Integrating renewables into their daily operation during phase-out can reduce environmental impact but introduces additional uncertainty, requiring costly and time-consuming implementation of new controllers as existing infrastructure is already equipped with functioning control structures. The central question now is: How can we enable practical implementation of optimization-based control in offshore energy systems with integrated renewables by building on existing control infrastructure?

Control systems in energy-intensive industries are designed to meet three goals: satisfy demand, ensure quality, and maintain safety. The ability to meet the goals combined with simplicity of implementation have been decisive factors when developing classic control systems, with environmental impact treated as an afterthought. Data-based controllers use advanced optimization algorithms to achieve these goals and meet environmental constraints. However, the complex mathematics involved makes them far from straightforward to implement in real-world infrastructure. This project aims to propose new adaptation methods for operating offshore facilities by merging online data-driven modelling to capture degradation of equipment over time with optimization-based methods to facilitate the transition to energy neutrality.

PhD Position Adaptive Optimization and Control of Offshore Energy Systems

The PhD would join the group of Dr Marta Zagorowska at Delft Center for Systems and Control (DCSC) and work together with other researchers in the area of advanced process control systems.

Teaching activities are part of your PhD trajectory and may include, for example: supervising workgroups or lab sessions, assisting in courses, or mentoring BSc and MSc students. While teaching will not be your main responsibility, it offers valuable experience that supports your development and prepares you for future academic or professional roles. Teaching activities will not exceed 20% of your total appointment, averaged over the course of your PhD.

Job requirements

The ideal candidate will be an ambitious, proactive, reflective, and results-driven researcher. We are looking for the following:

• MSc degree in Systems and Control, Chemical Engineering or similar field (essential).
• Prior experience with optimization algorithms (essential).
• Prior experience with process modelling and control (desirable).
• Prior experience with offshore energy (desirable).
• Strong collaboration, communication and writing skills.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

Research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being.

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 €3204 - €4051 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.

• Hours per week: 38-40
• FTE: 1,0
• Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible.
• Coming to Delft Service offers information to help you prepare your relocation and 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.

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.

As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed.