Researcher in Smart Electrical Grids, Energy Flexibility and Artificial Intelligence (PREDFLEX-CM)

Universidad de Alcalá; España; On-site; EUR 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Universidad de Alcalá is inviting applications for a full-time Researcher position in the PREDFLEX-CM project, focusing on smart electrical grids, distributed energy resources, and AI-based forecasting. The successful candidate will join the Department of Signal Theory and Communications and contribute to cutting-edge energy research.

Responsibilities include modelling, simulation, and development of digital twins, with emphasis on energy markets coordination and real-time validation platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Experience with smart grids and distributed energy resources.
• Experience with AI/ML for energy forecasting.
• Strong mathematical and programming skills.

Responsibilities

• Model and simulate smart grids and distributed energy resources.
• Develop energy forecasting and optimization algorithms using AI/ML.
• Implement flexibility management strategies and participate in energy markets.
• Develop and validate digital twins and energy control systems with IEC 61850 and HIL.

Skills

Modelling

Simulation

AI/ML forecasting

Optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

IEC 61850

HIL platforms

Digital twins

Energy management systems

Job description

Organisation/Company Universidad de Alcalá Research Field Engineering » Electrical engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Bachelor Positions Application Deadline 28 Oct 2026 - 23:23 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37.5 Offer Starting Date 15 Nov 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number 2025/00005/001/106 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The University of Alcalá (UAH) invites applications for one full-time Researcher position within the research project PREDFLEX-CM: Programme for Digital, Stable and Flexible Electrical Grids (TEC-2024/ECO-287), funded by the Community of Madrid.

The successful candidate will join the Department of Signal Theory and Communications at the Polytechnic School of the University of Alcalá and contribute to research on smart electrical grids, distributed energy resources, renewable energy integration, energy flexibility and artificial intelligence.

The main responsibilities include:

• Modelling and simulation of smart electrical grids and distributed energy resources, including renewable generation, energy storage and flexible demand, as well as their integration into virtual power plants (VPPs) and energy management systems.
• Development of energy forecasting and optimisation algorithms using artificial intelligence, machine learning and probabilistic forecasting to estimate renewable energy generation, electricity consumption and the availability of flexibility resources.
• Implementation of flexibility management strategies and participation in energy markets, including coordination of distributed energy resources and aggregators, distribution network constraints, interactions with distribution system operators (DSOs) and local flexibility markets.
• Development and validation of digital twins and energy control systems, integrating simulation models, optimisation algorithms, monitoring and control systems, communication protocols such as IEC 61850, and real-time hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) validation platforms.

Employment conditions:

• Number of positions: 1
• Employment status: Full-time
• Gross monthly salary: EUR 2,150, including the proportional share of additional salary payments

Applications must be submitted electronically through the University of Alcalá's official recruitment system, under call reference 2025/00005/001/106.

Candidates must provide proof of identity, evidence of the required academic qualification, a curriculum vitae and supporting documentation demonstrating their merits.

The University of Alcalá is committed to equal opportunities and non-discrimination in recruitment.