PhD in Quantum Computing for Power Systems

Aalborg University; Aalborg; On-site; DKK 320,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

AAU Energy at Aalborg University invites applications for a PhD stipend position focusing on applying quantum computing to power systems with high renewable shares. The three-year appointment starts December 1, 2026, or soon after, and includes research, development, and dissemination through publications and conferences.

You will work within the Center for Research on Microgrids, affiliated with the Electric Power Systems and Microgrids section, collaborating with researchers across

Qualifications

• Master's degree in electrical/energy/computer science or closely related field.
• Solid foundation in mathematical modelling and numerical methods.
• Experience with scientific programming, preferably Python.
• Knowledge of power system analysis and optimization (e.g., power flow and OPF).
• Experience with quantum computing methods and algorithms (e.g., HHL, QAOA).

Responsibilities

• Formulate power system analysis and optimization problems for research.
• Develop and implement quantum and hybrid quantum–classical solution methods.
• Compare performance with classical approaches.
• Conduct numerical studies and real-time power system simulation.
• Disseminate results through publications and conferences.

Skills

Quantum computing methods

Python programming

Power system analysis

Numerical optimization

Scientific programming

English language

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

RTDS

OPAL-RT

Job description

At AAU Energy, a position as PhD stipend is available within the general study program. The stipend is open for appointment from December 1, 2026, or as soon hereafter. The duration of the position is three years.

Your work tasks

This PhD position focuses on the application of quantum computing to computational challenges in power systems with high shares of renewable energy. You will investigate quantum and hybrid quantum–classical methods for power system analysis and optimization, with emphasis on their practical performance and suitability for real-time applications.

Your work will include formulating representative power system analysis and optimization problems, developing and implementing quantum and hybrid quantum–classical solution methods, and comparing their performance with relevant classical approaches. You will also evaluate the developed methods through numerical studies and real-time power system simulation. The research will involve scientific programming, analysis and documentation of results, and dissemination through peer-reviewed publications and international conferences.

The position is offered within the Center for Research on Microgrids, and the PhD student will be affiliated with the Electric Power Systems and Microgrids section at AAU Energy.

Your competencies

The applicant must have a relevant educational background in electrical engineering, energy engineering, computer science, or a closely related field. You should have a solid foundation in mathematical modelling and numerical methods, together with experience in scientific programming, preferably in Python. Knowledge of power system analysis and optimization (e.g., power flow and optimal power flow), as well as experience with quantum computing methods and algorithms (e.g., HHL or variational quantum linear solvers for linear system problems, and QAOA or quantum annealing for optimization problems), is expected.

Experience with real-time power system simulation using platforms such as RTDS or OPAL-RT would be an advantage. Previous peer-reviewed journal publications at the intersection of quantum computing and power and energy systems would also be considered an advantage. You should be motivated to further develop your expertise across both power systems and quantum computing.

You should be able to organize and conduct research independently, document and communicate your methods and results clearly, and discuss technical challenges constructively with colleagues. The position requires both independent research and collaboration with researchers from different disciplinary backgrounds, as well as good written and spoken English.

Qualification requirements

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1124 of September 19, 2025 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time. As part of the PhD study, you are among other things required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination and complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution.

Who we are

AAU Energy is a research department at Aalborg University dedicated to the development of clean and sustainable energy systems. Our activities cover electrical, thermal and mechatronic energy technologies, and we work closely with industrial partners, utilities and other academic environments to address real world energy challenges.

Aalborg University has been ranked as the best university in Europe within energy research and is among the very best universities worldwide in this field. At AAU Energy you will be part of a top international environment where research, innovation and collaboration are used to develop solutions to global challenges such as the green transition and future energy systems.

The department is located in both Aalborg and Esbjerg, and this position is based at the Aalborg campus. AAU Energy employs around 250 staff members at different career stages and with diverse national and disciplinary backgrounds, which creates an international and interdisciplinary research environment with many opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing. English is widely used as working language in both research and teaching, which supports the integration of international colleagues.

We offer access to advanced laboratory and workshop facilities and an environment where you can develop your academic profile through research, teaching and collaboration with both Danish and international external partners. As a workplace we value a collegial and inclusive culture with room for professional discussion, initiative and mutual support in everyday work.

New colleagues, whether they come from elsewhere in Denmark or from abroad, can draw on the university’s support services related to relocation, housing and practical matters. Aalborg University offers general onboarding support to all new employees, as well as dedicated support for international staff through its International Staff Unit (ISU). You can read more about relocation support and services here: https://www.en.hr.aau.dk/relocation-support

Aalborg University also offers Danish language courses to support international employees in settling into both the workplace and Danish society. International employees typically can attend Danish language courses during their first years in Denmark (depending on individual eligibility and national schemes).

You can read more about AAU Energy at www.energy.aau.dk.

Do you have any questions?

If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

Further information

Read more about our recruitment process here.

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.

Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Read more about The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science

Salary and terms of employment

The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Furthermore, your terms of employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement).

You can find information about the salary and salary structure for the position in the Salary Overview for Recruitment - Scientific positions (VIP). Please refer to the introductory section of the page and the section entitled “PhD Fellow”.

There is a mutual probationary period of 3 months for the position.

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world

Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.