Summary
Aalborg University is offering a 3-year PhD position focused on the digital twin modelling and multi-timescale optimization of electrolysis systems. This role is crucial for developing the digital infrastructure of future Power-to-X (P2X) plants, aiming for more efficient, flexible, and economically viable operations. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team and contribute to cutting-edge research in sustainable energy systems.
PhD Stipend in Digital Twin Modelling and Multi-Timescale Optimization of Electrolysis Systems at Aalborg University
Designation
PhD Stipend
Scholarship Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Reference Number | 2026/1138 |
| Employment Type | Full Time |
| Department | Department of Energy |
| Start Date | November 1, 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) |
| Duration | 3 years |
Research Area
The PhD project is situated at the intersection of digital twins, multi-timescale optimization, and integrated Power-to-X systems. Key research tasks include:
- Developing and validating physics-based, data-driven, or hybrid digital twins of electrolysis systems for monitoring, state estimation, and performance prediction.
- Building computationally efficient models suitable for real-time implementation, performance prediction, optimization, and control.
- Investigating interactions across operational timescales (multi-timescale optimization) from short-term management to longer-term production scheduling.
- Developing optimization strategies to enhance electrolyzer performance, efficiency, flexibility, and economic operation under variable electricity supply and renewable energy integration.
- Collaborating with academic and industrial partners, disseminating results through publications and conferences.
Location
Aalborg, Denmark
Eligibility/Qualification
Required Competencies:
- A relevant Master’s degree in energy engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, control engineering, or a related discipline.
- A strong foundation in at least one of: electrochemical or energy-system modelling, dynamic modelling and control, mathematical optimization, or data-driven modelling.
- Experience with numerical modelling, simulation, optimization, control, or engineering-data analysis.
- Good programming skills in Python, MATLAB/Simulink, or a comparable scientific computing environment.
- A fundamental understanding of energy-conversion systems, thermodynamics, electrical engineering, heat and mass transfer, electrochemistry, or control engineering.
- Ability to conduct independent, systematic, and scientifically rigorous research while working effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
- Good written and spoken English.
Advantageous Experience (not all required):
- Electrolyzer technologies, digital twins, model order reduction, system identification, power electronics, model predictive control, multi-objective optimization, machine learning, renewable-energy integration, experimental testing, or hardware-in-the-loop implementation.
Qualification Requirements:
- Hold a Master’s degree.
- Be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science at Aalborg University.
- Complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS.
- Gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination.
- Complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University (preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution).
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system. The application should include:
- Application stating reasons for applying and qualifications.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Diplomas (bachelor’s and master’s degree diploma, including grades).
- A project description (3–5 pages) outlining initial thoughts, ideas, a brief state-of-the-art with references, a time schedule, and how project objectives will be addressed.
- Publications, if applicable.
- Other relevant documents.
Last Date for Apply
October 16, 2026
Apply Link







