Doctoral Researcher in Power System Dynamics

Aalto; Eurajoki; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fixed-term 2+2 model

Starting January 2027

State-of-the-art infrastructure

International research environment

Job summary

Aalto University invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher in Power System Dynamics in the School of Electrical Engineering, Espoo, Finland.

The project investigates interactions between the power grid and turbine-generators, with Olkiluoto 3 as a main case study, focusing on subsynchronous resonance and damping strategies. The role requires a Master’s degree and strong English communication.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in electrical power engineering is required.
• Fluent written and verbal communication in English.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
• Strong background in power system simulation tools, signal processing, time series analysis or machine learning; MATLAB and/or Python preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyse torsional oscillation frequencies, damping and amplitudes from PMU data and long-term measurements.
• Model and mitigate grid-generator interactions; assess risks from converter interactions and large loads, and explore damping strategies.

Skills

English fluency

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in electrical power engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Doctoral Researcher in Power System Dynamics

5.10.2026

Application closes on

18.10.2026

Unit

School of Electrical Engineering

Job category

Doctoral Researchers

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 16 000 students and 5 200 employees, including 446 professors. Our campus is in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland.Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

We are seeking a doctoral researcher to join the Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation at Aalto University, Finland.

You will work in the Research Group of Power Transmission Systems on a research project investigating interactions between the power grid and turbine-generators, with Olkiluoto 3 nuclear power plant as the main case study. Olkiluoto 3 is one of the largest nuclear power units in the world. The goal is to improve the understanding, monitoring and mitigation of subsynchronous resonance and oscillations caused by grid disturbances. You will work in collaboration with companies, such as TVO and Fingrid.

Research focus

• Monitoring and data analysis: Apply and develop methods to estimate torsional oscillation frequencies, damping and amplitudes from phasor measurement unit (PMU) data. Analyse long-term measurements to identify how these properties depend on grid operating conditions.
• Modelling and mitigation: Develop and validate simulation models of grid-generator interactions, particularly in power systems with a high share of power converters. Assess oscillation and resonance risks associated with converter interactions and forced oscillations from large loads, such as data centres. Evaluate strategies to prevent or damp harmful oscillations.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in electrical power engineering or a related field
• Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a research team

We are especially looking for candidates with a strong background in one or more of the following areas:

• Experience with power system simulation tools, especially dynamic simulations
• Experience with signal processing, time series analysis or machine learning
• Programming skills in MATLAB and/or Python

What we offer

• The position is fixed term and follows Aalto's standard 2+2 model. It will be made initially for two years, with a six-month probationary period, and extended by two further years after a successful mid-term review, giving a total duration of four years.
• The position starts in January 2027 or as mutually agreed
• The salary is determined according to the salary system of Finnish universities. The starting salary for a doctoral researcher is 3143 €/month.
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and tools.
• An opportunity to combine academic research and industrial perspective.
• A stimulating international research environment.

If you wish to hear more about the position, you can reach out to Assistant Professor Janne Seppänen ([e-mail]). For questions related to the application process, please contact HR Advisor Johanna Haapalainen ([e-mail]).

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