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

Aalborg Universitet; Denmark; On-site; DKK 350,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Aalborg University invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position in the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Energy. You will work on integrating electrolyzer digital twins into Power-to-X systems, alongside partners at DTU, University of Toronto, Stanford, and Utrecht.

The work focuses on system-level integration, optimization under varying renewables, and energy demand, with opportunities for teaching and supervision of students.

Qualifications

• PhD in electrical/energy/related field.
• Experience in energy-system modelling and optimization.
• Strong programming and numerical modelling skills in Python, MATLAB/Simulink, Julia.
• Knowledge of digital twins and Power-to-X systems is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop an integrated, system-level digital-twin framework.
• Create system-level optimization and energy-management methods.
• Validate with simulations, project data, and benchmarking.
• Collaborate across disciplines and disseminate results via publications.

Skills

System-level modelling

Optimization methods

Programming (Python)

Programming (MATLAB/Simulink)

Programming (Julia)

English proficiency

Education

PhD in electrical/energy/related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

Julia

Job description

The Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Energy, Section for applied power electronic systems

Organisation/Company Aalborg Universitet Department The Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Energy, Section for applied power electronic systems Research Field Engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 16 Oct 2026 - 21:59 (UTC) Country Denmark Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer 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.

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.

Do you have any questions?
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.

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