Simula

Simula Research Laboratory AS (Simula) is a publicly owned research institute located at Fornebu just outside of Oslo, Norway. Simula's main objective is to generate new understanding and create vital knowledge about fundamental scientific challenges that are of genuine value for society. This is achieved through high quality research, education of graduate students, industry collaboration, technology transfer, and commercialization. Simula conducts Information and Communication Technology (ICT) research in the fields of communication networks, cyber physical systems, scientific computing and software engineering. Since 2001, scientific evaluations conducted by the Research Council of Norway has repeatedly placed Simula at the forefront of international research in ICT. The most recent in-depth evaluation was recently published, grading all research groups at Simula with the highest score excellent.

Simula Metropolitan Center for Digital Engineering (CDE, Simula@OsloMet) is a research institute jointly owned by Simula Research Laboratory and Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet). The CDE is the center that hosts Simula’s research activities on resilient networks and applications, mobile broadband networks, machine learning and IT management. The CDE is also a strategic partner of Oslo Metropolitan University in research and postgraduate education. Simula@OsloMet is organized as a limited company and is located centrally in Oslo.

About TU Berlin ---- Research and education at TU Berlin cover a wide range of disciplines with an orientation towards science and technology. In the field of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, TU Berlin typically ranks in the top three among all German universities. The Sustainable Electric Networks and Sources of Energy (SENSE) group pursues research in the areas of modeling, operation, and control of power and energy systems with a high share of renewable sources. TU Berlin is located in the heart of the German capital and has a distinctive international orientation.

Call for a PhD Student position at Simula Metropolitan Center for Digital Engineering (CDE, Simula@OsloMet), Norway jointly with TU Berlin, Germany

We have one three-year PhD position to work in the area of smart grid, in particular on resilience and security aspects of the smart grid system. The position is a part of the collaboration between the Simula Metropolitan Center for Digital Engineering (CDE, Simula@OsloMet), Norway and TU Berlin, Germany. The PhD student will therefore spend a part of his PhD program at the CDE, Simula@OsloMet and a part at the Sustainable Electric Networks and Sources of Energy (SENSE) of TU Berlin.

Project Description

The power grid infrastructure has become the critical backbone of modern societies. However, reliability problems in power distribution networks have been reported to cause extended outages that threaten or break vital functions like electricity supply, water supply, healthcare services and communication services. While the overall modern power grid system embraces innovative technologies and solutions, the distribution part stands out in the sense that it undergoes a huge transformation with the integration of distributed renewable energy resources, the increasing diversity of power sources, and the variability of power generation and consumption of different scale. Moreover, the integration of communication and networking technologies into the modern power grid introduces cyber vulnerabilities into the system, which can lead to critical consequences such as challenging the robustness of the physical infrastructure.

The PhD student’s work will be centered around these two major issues, and (s)he will assess, characterize and model the impact of (i) the integration of distributed renewable generation on the distribution network, and (ii) the cyber physical security issues on different components and applications of the smart grid including the distribution grid, for enhancing the resilience of the smart grid system.

Candidate profile

We consider interested candidates who have a MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Communication Engineering, Computer Science or other relevant disciplines with top grades.

Mandatory qualifications

• Background on power system/smart grid e.g., power flow analysis, state estimation
• Background on optimization, resource management
• Programming experience on Matlab, Python or R

Desired qualifications (Will be an advantage)

• Background on communication systems e.g., smart grid communication technologies
• Experience on data analysis
• Knowledge on machine learning

The candidate will also have to demonstrate an excellent level of spoken and written English, possess good interpersonal and communication skills and show willingness to work as part of an international team.

The position offers

• A highly dynamic and motivated team of international researchers and engineers.
• Professional courses and workshops led by international experts such as Communication of Scientific Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Writing Effective Research Proposals.
• Good office facilities located in the Oslo downtown
• Generous support for travels and equipment
• A competitive salary.

Both Simula@OsloMet and TU Berlin are equal opportunity employers. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.

Application Requirements

Interested applicants are requested to submit the following:

• A cover letter explaining the candidate’s background, qualifications, research interests and how/why the candidate is qualified for the position;
• Curriculum vitae (summarizing education, positions and academic or industrial work, scientific publications);
• Academic transcripts including a copy of Master thesis;
• Contact information of two references, including the Master supervisor(s).

After initial screening, relevant candidates will be asked to provide further documentation of education and work experience.The starting date will be in September 2018.

Application deadline: July 10.

Contact

Further inquiries about the position can be addressed to Assoc. Prof. Sabita Maharjan (sabita@simula.no)

Apply for position

Søknadsfrist: 10.07.2018

Web: www.simula.no

Kontakt: Assoc. Prof. Sabita Maharjan

E-post: sabita@simula.no