Postdoc Position in System Optimization Using Digital Twin for Power-to-X processes

Aalborg Universitet; Aalborg; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Aalborg University invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position in the Applied Power Electronic Systems group, Aalborg Energy. You will develop system-level digital-twin and optimization methodologies for Power-to-X systems, integrating electrolyzer models with renewable generation, energy storage, and downstream processes.

International collaboration and possible research visits are involved. The role emphasizes cross-disciplinary research, dissemination through publications, and

Qualifications

• PhD in electrical engineering or closely related field.
• Documented experience in energy-system modelling, mathematical optimization, control, digital twins, or related areas.
• Strong programming and numerical modelling skills using Python, MATLAB/Simulink, Julia, hardware-in-the-loop or similar tools.
• Experience with multi-objective optimization, model predictive control, mixed-integer optimization, stochastic optimization, energy management or production scheduling.
• Knowledge of integrated energy systems; experience with electrolyzers, hydrogen technologies, renewable-energy integration, storage, or Power-to-X systems is advantageous.
• Strong academic publication record appropriate to career stage.
• Ability to conduct independent research, collaborate across disciplines, and communicate with academic and industrial partners.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Develop an integrated, system-level digital-twin framework connecting electrolyzer models with Power-to-X components and energy systems.
• Create system-level optimization and energy-management methods coordinating electrolyzers with renewables, storage, and downstream processes.
• Evaluate methods under varying renewable generation, electricity prices, and hydrogen demand, focusing on efficiency, flexibility, and costs.
• Validate and benchmark the framework using project data, high-fidelity simulations, hardware-in-the-loop, and industrial case studies.
• Collaborate with researchers and industry partners, contribute to supervision of related research activities, and disseminate results through publications and conferences.

Skills

Digital twins

Optimization

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

Control engineering

Energy systems modelling

Academic collaboration

English communication

Education

PhD in electrical engineering or closely related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

Julia

Job description

Take the next step in your research career at the intersection of digital twins, multi-timescale system optimization, and integrated Power-to-X systems with special focus on the electrical engineering parts. This position offers a unique opportunity to drive the development of system-level digital-twin and optimization methodologies—integrating electrolyzer models with renewable generation, power electronic conversion, energy and hydrogen storage, downstream processes, and energy demand—to enable more efficient, flexible, and economically viable Power-to-X operation. This position is expected to start from 1st of November 2026 or as soon as possible hereafter.

About the project

The position is affiliated with the Pioneer Center for Accelerating P2X Materials Discovery (CAPeX) and the section for Applied Power Electronic Systems. You will join an interdisciplinary team working across electrolyzers, Power-to-X systems, power electronics, control, digital twins, and energy-system optimization, in close collaboration with the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), University of Toronto, Stanford University, and Utrecht University — research visits to partner facilities may form part of the position.

Your work tasks

This two-year postdoctoral project focuses on the system-level integration and optimization of electrolyzer digital twins within CAPeX — considering how component-level electrolyzer models and digital twins can be incorporated into broader Power-to-X systems involving renewable generation, power conversion, power system integration, energy and hydrogen storage, downstream processes, and energy demand. In particular, you will:

• Develop an integrated, system-level digital-twin framework connecting electrolyzer models with relevant Power-to-X components and energy-systema.
• Develop system-level optimization and energy-management methods for coordinating electrolyzers with renewable generation, power conversion, storage, downstream processes, and hydrogen demand.
• Apply and evaluate these methods under technical constraints and varying renewable generation, electricity prices, and hydrogen demand, considering system efficiency, flexibility, production, and operating costs.
• Validate and benchmark the developed framework using project data, high-fidelity simulations including hardware in the loop, and relevant industrial case studies, assessing its robustness and computational performance.
• Collaborate with researchers and industrial partners, contribute to the coordination and supervision of related research activities, and disseminate results through scientific publications, conferences, and project deliverables.

The position may also include a limited amount of teaching and supervision of bachelor's and master's students in areas related to your expertise.

Your competencies

We expect you to have:

• A PhD in electrical engineering, energy engineering, mechanical engineering, control engineering, operations research, applied mathematics, or a closely related field.
• Documented experience in energy-system modelling, mathematical optimization, control, digital twins, or related areas.
• Strong programming and numerical modelling skills using Python, MATLAB/Simulink, Julia, hardware in the loop implementation or comparable tools.
• Experience with one or more relevant methods, such as multi-objective optimization, model predictive control, mixed-integer optimization, stochastic optimization, energy management, or production scheduling.
• Good knowledge of integrated energy systems; experience with electrolyzers, hydrogen technologies, renewable-energy integration, storage, or Power-to-X systems would be an advantage.
• A strong scientific publication record appropriate to your career stage.
• The ability to conduct independent research, collaborate across disciplines, and communicate effectively with academic and industrial partners.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

You are not expected to be a specialist in every electrolyzer technology or optimization method. Strong system-level modelling and optimization competence, together with the ability to work across component and system boundaries, is particularly important.

Who we are

The position will be based in the section for “Applied Power Electronic Systems” at Department of Energy in Aalborg University (AAU Energy). AAU Energy is an international research department at Aalborg University dedicated to developing clean and sustainable energy systems across electrical, thermal, and mechatronic energy technologies. We offer an interdisciplinary research environment, advanced laboratory facilities, and extensive collaboration with industry and academic partners. The department has campuses in Aalborg and Esbjerg; this position is based in Aalborg. Read more at www.energy.aau.dk.

Qualification requirements

Appointment as postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.

Do you have any questions?

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

Aalborg University has a policy of parallel language use. International staff are encouraged, with support from the university, to learn Danish during their employment in order to support their integration into the workplace and Danish society.

Danish language courses will be offered as part of the employment.

If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us.

For professional questions, please contact Frede Blaabjerg, Professor, [e-mail], [phone].

Further information

Read more about our recruitment process here

The appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process here.

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.

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

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) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities.

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 “Postdoc”.

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.