PhD Positions in Energy Informatics

Syddansk Universitet (University of Southern Denmark - SDU); Cortex Park; On-site; DKK 396,000 - 484,000; Full time

Job summary

SDU Center for Energy Informatics invites applications for several PhD positions in Energy Informatics at the University of Southern Denmark. The PhD programme is three years, with coursework, research, and dissemination activities as part of the Danish framework.

Research themes include AI-driven Digital Twins for building heating/cooling optimization and predictive maintenance for smart energy networks. The positions offer a vibrant, collaborative environment with industry and public partners

Qualifications

• Solid foundation in data analysis, machine learning, optimisation, or related quantitative methods.
• Familiarity with data driven modelling for smart grids, district heating, HVAC, or smart buildings.
• Experience with data handling including cleaning, transformation, and feature engineering.
• Experience with Python and scientific computing or ML libraries for robust software implementations.
• Familiarity with AI techniques; knowledge of reliability, interpretability, and responsible AI is desirable.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research under supervision and contribute to high quality publications.
• Participate in conferences, journal publications, and collaboration with industry partners.
• Design, implement, and validate digital twin platforms or AI-driven energy systems.

Skills

Data analysis

Machine learning

Python

Time series analysis

Research software

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in CS/SE/Energy/EE/Building services

Tools

Scientific computing libraries

Job description

SDU Center for Energy Informatics, University of Southern Denmark The SDU Center for Energy Informatics invites applications for several PhD positions within the field of Energy Informatics. The positions are available for a three-year period.

The SDU Center for Energy Informatics is a leading interdisciplinary research centre dedicated to advancing digital technologies for the green transition of the energy sector. The centre conducts research at the intersection of energy systems, artificial intelligence, software engineering, and data intensive methods, with a strong focus on real world impact through collaboration with industry, utilities, and public stakeholders.

Research themes

#1 Next-Generation Digital Twins for Intelligent Heating and Cooling Optimization in Buildings

This PhD theme focuses on the development of next-generation AI-driven Digital Twin technologies for intelligent heating and cooling optimization in buildings. The positions will contribute to the design, implementation, and validation of scalable Digital Twin platforms that integrate real-time building data, advanced machine learning models, and predictive management strategies. Applications will be demonstrated in real operational environments, enabling improved energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced indoor environmental quality in complex building systems.

#2 Predictive Maintenance and Asset Management of Smart Energy Networks

This PhD theme addresses the use of artificial intelligence, data-driven modelling, and advanced analytics to improve the reliability and operation of smart energy networks, including smart grids and district heating networks. The positions will focus on developing methods for condition monitoring, fault prediction, risk assessment, and maintenance planning by combining diverse data sources such as sensor measurements, operational data, inspection records, and asset information. The research will support more informed and proactive asset management decisions in real energy infrastructures, contributing to higher system reliability, reduced maintenance costs, better use of energy-related assets, and a more resilient energy system.

The exact research topic will be defined jointly with the successful candidate, taking into account project needs, academic background, and research interests.

PhD position and research environment

As a PhD student at the SDU Center for Energy Informatics, you will conduct independent research under the supervision of senior researchers, contribute to high quality scientific publications, and participate actively in a dynamic and collaborative research environment. The position includes opportunities for participation in conferences, journal publications, and close collaboration with industrial and public sector partners.

The PhD programme is structured according to the Danish PhD framework and includes coursework, dissemination activities, and teaching or knowledge dissemination duties corresponding to approximately 840 working hours over the three-year period.

Required qualifications

Applicants are expected to hold a master’s degree in computer science, software engineering, energy engineering, electrical engineering, building services, or a closely related field by the time of enrolment.

• A solid academic foundation in data analysis, machine learning, optimisation, system modelling, or related quantitative methods, as acquired through master’s level coursework and project work.
• Familiarity with data driven modelling approaches relevant to smart grid, district heating, HVAC systems, or smart buildings, such as regression, classification, time series analysis, or basic predictive modelling.
• Experience with data handling, including data cleaning, transformation, exploratory analysis, and basic feature engineering.
• Experience with Python or a similar programming language, and basic exposure to scientific computing or machine learning libraries, combined with an interest in developing robust, research oriented software implementations.
• Familiarity with AI techniques is required, while experience with multimodal data analysis, large language models (LLMs), and the application of modern AI models in energy and industrial contexts is considered an advantage. Awareness of reliability, interpretability, and responsible AI use is also desirable.
• Strong analytical skills, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary research settings.

Contact information

For further information about the PhD positions or the SDU Center for Energy Informatics, please visit https://www.sdu.dk/en/energyinformatics

Informal enquiries may be directed to Professor Bo Nørregaard Jørgensen, Head of Center, SDU Center for Energy Informatics. Email: [e-mail]

The SDU Center for Energy Informatics looks forward to receiving applications from highly motivated candidates who wish to contribute to research at the forefront of digitalisation and the green energy transition.

If you experience technical problems, please contact our email support.

Application

Before applying the candidates are advised to read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students and the SDU information on how to apply.

Assessment of candidates is based on the application material, and the application must include:

• Curriculum Vitae.
• A brief statement of research interests and motivation, including a clear indication of whether the applicant is applying for Theme 1 or Theme 2.
• Documentation of academic qualifications, including Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates or equivalent, including transcripts of grades (original and an official English translation).
• Two letters of recommendation.
• List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications (in case you have any publications).
• Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants. Find the form at the Faculty website.
• Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at the Faculty website.
• An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish).
• Only for applicants from programmes that evaluate thesis/examination project by approved/not approved: An official written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade giving institution. The statement must clearly state that the candidate has been among the top 30 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration number) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked, allow binding and may not be password protected.

SUBMISSION GUIDE: Motivated application must be uploaded under ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae must be uploaded under ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents must be uploaded under ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files with a maximum 50 MB per file).

The application deadline is August 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST)

Assessment and selection process

Applications will be assessed by an expert. Shortlisting may be applied, and only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU. Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation. Read about the Assessment and selection process.

Enrollment and employment terms

Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position, and the monthly gross salary incl. pension is 37.075 DKK. If you have relevant postgraduate experience, you may be placed on a higher salary step.

The start date will be agreed with the successful candidates. The position includes social benefits and pension contributions.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment. Employment is contingent on enrollment approved by the PhD School. Enrollment will be in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order). Employment will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state including the associated circular on the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for PhD fellows as described therein as well as the Protocol on PhD fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).

Salary is determined in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and based on objective and gender-neutral criteria, including the content of the position, responsibilities, and qualification requirements. As an applicant, you are entitled to information about the starting salary and salary range for the position. This information will be provided during the recruitment process. SDU does not collect information on applicants’ previous salary. Further information on salary and taxation.

Persons employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.

The University of Southern Denmark wishes its staff to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position. SDU conducts research in critical technologies, which, due to the risk of unwanted knowledge transfer, is subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position(s).

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.

Location

Odense M, Denmark

Apply Before

2026-08-20T21:59:00+00:00