PhD Student in Electric Power Engineering

Luleå University of Technology is in strong growth with world-leading competence in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and ground-breaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of SEK 1.9 billion per year. We currently have 1,840 employees and 17,670 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.Would you like to contribute to the ongoing green transition? As part of the Green Transition North project, we are looking for a PhD student to work on electric power system with a focus on flexibility solutions, grid-performance and hosting capacity studies. You will be part of a strategic investment where we work together to go from words to action in the green transition.

You will join the research group Electric Power Engineering in Skellefteå, Sweden, a very successful group at Luleå University of Technology led by Professor Math Bollen and Professor Sarah Rönnberg. The current research areas for the group are: power quality in low, medium and high-voltage networks; integration of renewable power generation, smart grids and electricity markets, and integration of electro mobility. The group has a good national and international reputation for its leading research.

The group currently consists of a chaired professor, two more professors, four other senior researchers, one research engineer and 16 doctoral students. More information about the research group: Electrical power engineering at Luleå University of Technology

Subject description
Electric power engineering covers the study of the system for production, transport and consumption of electrical energy. This includes the interaction between the power grid electricity production and electricity consumption.

Project description
We are looking for a PhD student for a project regarding increased flexibility in the electric power system with a focus on flexibility solutions, grid-performance and hosting capacity studies. The work is being carried out as part of the Green Transition North project, which aims to promote sustainable change in northern Sweden. The project takes place in close cooperation between researchers and industry and small and medium sized enterprises. The main funder is the European Regional Development Fund.

The project aims to study and model part of the electric power system including small-scale production and consumption. The main objective is to find methods to include different types of flexibility in hosting capacity studies with the goal of maximizing flexibility while maintaining reliability and power quality. Transferring theoretical knowledge to practical applications in real power grids is an important part of the project. This will be done largely by applying theoretical models to real power grid.

Duties
As a PhD student you are expected to perform both experimental and theoretical work within your research studies as well as communicate your results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies. In addition, you can have the opportunity to try the teacher role. As a researcher, you work as a neutral party in many contexts, which provides a great opportunity to be involved in challenging development projects. Your work will mainly include theoretical models and simulations, but some practical measurements may also be included.

Qualifications
You are qualified to apply for this position if you have an MSc or equivalent technical degree with specialization appropriate for research in electrical power engineering such as electrical engineering, electronics, energy, engineering physics or similar areas. Alternatively, an individual fulfills the general eligibility requirements for the third-cycle educational program when he or she 1) has completed a second-cycle degree, 2) has completed higher education courses worth at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 are for second-cycle courses, or 3) in some other manner, in this country or abroad, has acquired the equivalent qualifications courses in electrical engineering. Advanced knowledge of written and spoken English is required. Previous experience in research, development or research-oriented education in a subject relevant to the tasks is considered a merit. In addition, ability to contribute to the education done by the group (in Swedish) is regarded meriting.

For further information about a specific subject see
* General syllabus for the Board of the faculty of science and technology

Further information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with max 20%. Placement: Skellefteå. Starting: September 1

For further information on the position, please contact: Professor Sarah Rönnberg, sarah.ronnberg@ltu.se

Union representatives: SACO-S Kjell Johansson (+46)920-49 1529 kjell.johansson@ltu.se  
OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46)920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application
We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.

Closing date for applications: May 31, 2023
Reference number: 1772-2023