1 PRE-DOCTORAL POSITION. CODE: PRECOF-26-E02

CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas); España; On-site; EUR 12,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas) invites applications for a Master/Predoctoral position in Spain to design and validate intelligent heliostat systems using computer vision, AI, and advanced control methods. The role includes developing AI-driven solar field optimization strategies and predictive models, including digital twins and data analysis tools.

Successful candidates will conduct experimental campaigns at the Plataforma Solar de Almería,

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field is required or highly preferred.
• Experience with computer vision and AI methods is desirable.
• Familiarity with reinforcement learning and predictive modeling is a plus.
• Ability to analyze data and develop experimental validation protocols.
• Ability to work with experimental campaigns and report results.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, and validate intelligent heliostat systems.
• Develop aiming and field optimization strategies using AI and RL.
• Create predictive models, digital twins, and data analysis tools.
• Integrate digital architectures for supervision, automation, and decision support.
• Execute experiments at Plataforma Solar de Almería and prepare reports.

Skills

Computer vision

Artificial intelligence

Reinforcement learning

Data analysis

Control strategies

Education

Master's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Digital twins

Job description

Organisation/Company CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas) Research Field Computer science Engineering Mathematics Physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 11 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

• Design, implementation, testing, and experimental validation of intelligent heliostat systems, including computer vision, solar tracking, calibration, and advanced control strategies.
• Formulation and evaluation of heliostat aiming and solar field optimization strategies using artificial intelligence, reinforcement learning, and advanced optimization methods.
• Generation and application of predictive models, digital twins, and data analysis tools for forecasting
  meteorological, operational, and performance variables, as well as for anomaly detection and predictive maintenance.
• Integration of digital architectures for supervision, automation, and decision support, including, where appropriate, multi-agent systems, interoperability tools, and connection with plant control systems.
• Execution of experimental campaigns at the Plataforma Solar de Almería, analysis of results, and preparation of scientific and technical reports, journal papers, and contributions to national and international conferences, workshops, and scientific meetings.

The foregoing position shall be co-financed by the European Commission through the terms of Horizon Europe Programme, call HORIZON-CL5-2022-D3-03, project: 101122231, until the completion of the project , extendable in case of project extension, and by CIEMAT through its budget for hiring staff, until the completion of the predoctoral contract.