PhD Researcher: Power System Dynamics & Grid Interactions

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

Benefits offered by this job

Fixed term contract (2+2 model)

Starting salary 3143 €/month

Job summary

Aalto University is seeking a doctoral researcher for the Research Group of Power Transmission Systems in Espoo. You will study interactions between the power grid and turbine-generators, using Olkiluoto 3 as the main case to improve monitoring of subsynchronous resonance.

Responsibilities include PMU data analysis, building grid–generator models, and proposing mitigation strategies for converter-dominated grids. Start January 2027; fixed-term up to four years with probation.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze PMU data to estimate torsional oscillation frequencies, damping, and amplitudes.
• Analyse long-term measurements to see how oscillation properties depend on grid conditions.
• Develop and validate simulation models of grid-generator interactions, especially with high converter share.
• Assess risks from converter interactions and large loads, such as data centers, for oscillations and resonance.
• Evaluate strategies to prevent or damp harmful oscillations.

Skills

Fluent English

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in electrical power engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Power system simulators

Job description

Aalto University is seeking a doctoral researcher for the Research Group of Power Transmission Systems in Espoo. You will study interactions between the power grid and turbine-generators, using Olkiluoto 3 as the main case to improve monitoring of subsynchronous resonance.

Responsibilities include PMU data analysis, building grid–generator models, and proposing mitigation strategies for converter-dominated grids. Start January 2027; fixed-term up to four years with probation.