Postdoc EMT Modelling of High-Voltage Components and Protection (UTOPYS)

Help build the model library at the heart of UTOPYS, a new national facility for real-time power system simulations. The Postdoc EMT Modelling of High-Voltage Components and Protection (UTOPYS) vacancy focuses on detailed models of high-voltage components, substations and protection.

• Salary range: €3706 - €5760
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.
• FTE: 1

Job description

Future power systems are converter-dominated, fast, and interconnected across scales that today's modelling tools cannot capture. UTOPYS (Understanding Large and Complex Power Systems) addresses this with a state-of-the-art real-time power system simulator: a large RTDS cluster at TU Delft's ESP Lab that simulates thousands of nodes in full electromagnetic transient (EMT) detail, in real time, and that can be coupled to hardware, SCADA systems and other simulators. UTOPYS is a ten-year national research infrastructure (2026-2036) built by a consortium of eight Dutch universities and research institutes, coordinated by TU Delft. A simulator of this size is only as valuable as the models that run on it. The first phase of UTOPYS is therefore dedicated to the UTOPYS Library: an open, modular and validated collection of EMT component models, reference system models, scenarios and datasets that will serve the consortium, external academic users and industry for the coming decade. TU Delft is recruiting two postdocs to lay its foundations.

What you will do

• Develop and validate detailed EMT models of high-voltage components in RSCAD/RTDS, for example lines and cables, transformers, breakers, reactive-power devices, HVDC and MTDC terminals and offshore connections, including their controls.
• Model substations, protection and measurement systems, so that faults, islanding and cascading outages can be reproduced realistically.
• Validate each model independently and integrate it into the UTOPYS transmission backbone as a higher-fidelity drop-in replacement, using its standard interfaces.
• Parameterise and document your models so that others can reuse and extend them.
• Publish your models, datasets and methods open access, and present them in journals and at conferences.

How this position fits

You focus on the depth and fidelity of the high-voltage models, while the other TU Delft postdoc builds the transmission backbone and coordinates integration across the consortium. You will work closely together: the backbone defines the interfaces, and your models make it realistic.

Where and with whom

You will join the Intelligent Electrical Power Grids (IEPG) section and work alongside the UTOPYS postdocs at the partner institutes and with TU Delft staff and PhD students working on HVDC, protection, wide-area stability and cyber-physical power systems. Progress is shared in regular consortium meetings and demonstration days.

What the position offers you

• Real-time EMT expertise on a one-of-a-kind infrastructure: a scarce and sought-after skill set in academia, at system operators and in industry.
• Visible, citable output. Library models and datasets are published open access with a DOI, credited to their developers, and will be used internationally for years.
• Opportunities to contribute to the UTOPYS summer school and RTDS training courses, and represent the programme internationally.

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 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 Intelligent Electrical Power Grid (IEPG) group works on the future of our power system.

Job requirements

We are looking for candidates who bring:

• A PhD in electrical engineering, power systems or a closely related field, obtained or close to completion.
• A solid background in power system dynamics and electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation.
• Demonstrable experience with at least one power system simulation package, for example RSCAD/RTDS, PSCAD, EMTP, PowerFactory, Simulink/Simscape, OPAL-RT, Typhoon HIL, pandapower or PyPSA.
• A structured and well-documented way of working: the models you build must be picked up, understood and extended by others.
• Enthusiasm for working as part of a team on a shared product, and for open science.
• A good command of English, both written and spoken.

The following are considered an asset:

• Hands-on experience with RTDS/RSCAD, real-time simulation or hardware-in-the-loop set-ups.
• Software development skills: Python, C, scripting and automation, version control, testing.
• Expertise in one or more of: converter control and grid-forming/grid-following operation; HVDC, MTDC and offshore systems; protection; machine and load modelling; model order reduction; parameter estimation and model validation; large-scale or synthetic network modelling.
• Experience in converting or interfacing models between different simulation tools.
• Experience in contributing to courses and training.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 2 years. Temporary.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

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.

Knowledge security

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.