PhD Position on Energy Systems Modeling

KU Leuven; Vlaams-Brabant; Sur place; EUR 25 389 - 30 411; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Health insurance

Access to university infrastructure

Sports facilities

Opportunity to collaborate internationally

Résumé du poste

KU Leuven is offering a PhD position focusing on the pricing of heat in district heating networks, embedded in the EnergyVille research group. The candidate will develop energy system models to support the transition to a carbon-neutral energy system.

We seek highly motivated researchers with a Master's degree in Engineering or related fields. Experience in energy systems and programming is valued. The offer includes a net monthly salary of about €2,500 and multiple benefits.

Qualifications

• Candidates should have obtained excellent study results.
• Strong interest in energy systems operation, planning, and energy markets.
• Experience with programming tools like Matlab, Python, GAMS, or Julia is a plus.

Responsabilités

• Model and evaluate the impact of heat market design.
• Identify and evaluate financing mechanisms for district heating solutions.
• Work within the context of an international project with the EU LIFE programme.

Connaissances

Strong interest in energy systems

Experience with Matlab/Python/GAMS/Julia

Good English communication skills

Formation

Master of Science in Engineering or related field

Description du poste

At the division of Applied Mechanics and Energy Conversion (TME) of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at KU Leuven, and embedded in EnergyVille, a dynamic research group led by Prof. Erik Delarue focuses on advanced modeling of energy systems and markets. Our research spans various critical areas including unit commitment, system planning, equilibrium modeling, agent-based modeling, renewables integration, energy policy, and energy market design. In the Energy Systems Integration and Modeling (ESIM) research group, PhD students and post-docs work on modeling and applications to energy and climate policies.

With the Green Deal, the EU has the ambition to become carbon neutral by 2050. This will imply a massive transformation of our entire energy system. This transformation includes a change in the use of our primary energy vectors, as well as in end‑use sectors. On the supply side, an increased level of electrification will be crucial. CO2‑free electricity generation will come largely from a massive deployment of renewables. To support this transition, we develop and deploy energy system models.

We are currently offering a PhD position focusing on the pricing of heat in district heating networks. Drawing on our expertise in electricity market design and operation, we aim to model and evaluate the impact of heat market design and the interactions within multi‑vector energy systems to secure revenue streams (e.g., waste heat valorisation and energy flexibility services to the electricity market). We further aim to identify and evaluate financing mechanisms in relation to their applicability for different types and scales of district heating solutions. This PhD research will take place in the context of a larger international project with the EU LIFE programme.

The candidate can start from existing energy systems models and dedicated expertise available in the research group and will collaborate with other research group members.

Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and communicative researcher with a Master of Science degree in Engineering or a related field, from a reputable institute. Candidates with a background in a.o. economics, operations research are also encouraged to apply. You should have obtained excellent study results.

Candidates should have a strong interest in energy, especially in energy system operation and planning, as well as energy markets, policy and modeling. Experience with Matlab/Python/GAMS/Julia is a plus. Applicants should also have good English communication skills.

Offer

KU Leuven is among the top European universities. It is a key player in the field of energy research, also through the collaboration within EnergyVille.

We offer:

• A doctoral scholarship for four years (net monthly salary of about ~€2,500) and a PhD degree in Engineering, if successful
• A highly specialised (doctoral) training, making the candidate an expert in energy systems modelling
• The opportunity to collaborate with international partners in a European project and participate in international conferences
• Multiple benefits (health insurance, access to university infrastructure, and sports facilities)

We aim for a start on September 1st, 2026.

location_city Locatie: Leuven

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognise the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.