Research Assistant position in Modelling and Control of Smart Energy Districts (Expression of Interest)

Universidad de Sevilla; España; On-site; EUR 20,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Universidad de Sevilla is seeking a Research Assistant for the ORCHESTRA project, focusing on optimal robust control of heterogeneous energy systems. The role involves modelling HVAC systems, developing IoT monitoring, and real‑time control algorithm validation.

The position supports doctoral studies and aligns with a 2-3 year contract funded by national and EU research programmes. Strong programming and research motivation are essential.

Qualifications

• MSc degree in Engineering or related disciplines.
• Excellent programming skills.
• A creative and rigorous mindset, and a strong motivation to do research.

Responsibilities

• Modelling and simulation of HVAC systems with thermal and electrical storage.
• Development and deployment of an IoT monitoring system for HVAC systems at the University’s premises.
• Implementation and validation of control algorithms for real‑time system optimization.
• Collaborate within the GEPOC group and contribute to research collaborations.

Skills

Excellent programming skills

Research mindset

Motivation to do research

Education

MSc degree in Engineering or related disciplines

Bachelor Degree or equivalent in Engineering

Bachelor Degree or equivalent in Mathematics

Bachelor Degree or equivalent in Computer Science

Job description

Organisation/Company Universidad de Sevilla Department International Projects Office (OGPI) Research Field Engineering – Control engineering Engineering – Process engineering Engineering – Thermal engineering Engineering – Industrial engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 12 Nov 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Negotiable Offer Starting Date 1 Feb 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Project: Optimal Robust Control of Heterogeneous Energy Systems Through Risk‑aware Agents (ORCHESTRA)

Research Assistant contract (2-3 years)

Start date: February 2027 (to be confirmed)

Project ORCHESTRA focuses on the optimal management of smart infrastructures from a systems and control perspective. The research activity of the candidate will address the following points:

• Modelling and simulation of HVAC systems with thermal and electrical storage
• Development and deployment of an IoT monitoring system for HVAC systems at the University’s premises

Implementation and validation of control algorithms for real‑time system optimization

The project will enable the candidate to achieve expertise in system identification, forecasting and control, providing an ideal foundation for careers in both academia and the industry. The candidate will form part of the GEPOC research group, a broader team working on diverse aspects of systems engineering and optimization. The group sits within one of the leading Spanish research departments in the areas of Automation and Control. The candidate will be encouraged to take part in research collaborations through the established international partnerships of the group.

The position is fully compatible with doctoral studies, and successful candidates will be strongly encouraged and supported to develop their research into a PhD thesis.

This international studentship is funded through the Spanish Ministry for Science and Innovation, the State Research Agency (MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033). The position is open to home and overseas students.

Candidate Requirements

Prospective candidates will be selected according to the following criteria:

• MSc degree in Engineering or related disciplines
• Excellent programming skills
• A creative and rigorous mindset, and a strong motivation to do research

Desired (optional) qualifications:

• Background in Control/Electrical/Energy Systems Engineering
• Modelling of thermal systems with Modelica, TRNSYS, EnergyPlus
• Knowledge of MATLAB/Simulink or Python
• Experience in data analysis of spatiotemporal datasets
• Design and deployment of sensor networks

Requirements

Research Field Engineering Education Level Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Research Field Mathematics Education Level Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Research Field Computer science Education Level Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Prospective candidates will be selected according to the following criteria:

• MSc degree in Engineering or related disciplines
• Excellent programming skills
• A creative and rigorous mindset, and a strong motivation to do research

Specific Requirements

Desired (optional) qualifications:

• Background in Control/Electrical/Energy Systems Engineering
• Modelling of thermal systems with Modelica, TRNSYS, EnergyPlus
• Knowledge of MATLAB/Simulink or Python
• Experience in data analysis of spatiotemporal datasets
• Design and deployment of sensor networks