Temporary contract | 24 months | Belvaux

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/

You will join the Intelligent and Clean Energy Systems (ICES) research unit and will in particular be involved in the Power Electronics Lab and the Real-Time Hardware-in-the-Loop Lab. The ICES research unit aims to develop ground-breaking market-oriented solutions in how energy is generated, distributed and consumed, meeting the challenge of cutting greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring energy security, planning feasible business models and social outreach advances. You will report to the ICES Head of Unit.

Essential to the ICES unit is the smart grid vision, namely, an electricity network in which information flows freely between consumers and suppliers, and demand adapts in real-time in response to the continuously changing supply from intermittent renewable sources. The ICES unit however extends this vision toward a wider energy portfolio, integrating other energy infrastructures to electricity networks, and providing further abstraction and intelligence levels in the conception of solutions for both planning and operating the energy systems of the future.

Moreover, in addition to generating solutions addressing society and market needs, this research unit conducts fundamental research aiming at ground-breaking disclosers to remove barriers and introduce revolutionary concepts for planning, developing and operating the Intelligent Clean Energy Systems of the future.   

How will you contribute?

As a researcher you will participate in smart grid automation projects with intensive use of demonstrative power converters, lab-prototypes of advanced power electronics, and real-time and networked controllers based on standard protocols, which might include designing power conversion and control solutions for REN, BESS, EV charging, and FACTS among others, making and intensive use of communications. You will interact with other research and technology experts, deploying systems and technologies related to projects both in the field and in the lab.

You should demonstrate hands-on experience in controlling power networks dominated by power converters. This includes practical expertise in designing and prototyping various types of power converters (e.g., MMC, SST, DAB, VSC/CSC), and integrating them into modern power networks through networked controllers and WAMS using standard communication protocols (such as IEC 61850, IEC 60870, Modbus, CAN, etc.). A PhD in a related field with 3-5 years of postdoctoral hands-on experience working in power-electronics-dominated power grids (including RENs, HVDC systems, microgrids, FACTS, etc.) is required. You should also possess strong knowledge of programming languages and development frameworks for microcontrollers (e.g., C2000, XMC4000, STM32G4, etc.) and networked digital controllers (e.g., Beckhoff, Siemens, Schneider Electric, etc.). Experience in constructing hardware prototypes will be highly valued.

You will contribute to RDI projects by:

• Implementing networked control systems for smart grids that host converter-driven assets, such as BESS, EV chargers, and renewable energy converters.
• Developing prototypes of innovative power conversion systems for modern power networks, with particular value placed on MV and HV applications.
• Integrating power conversion systems using RT-HIL platforms, especially with OPAL-RT.
• Simulating power conversion system with tools such as PSCAD and PSIM.
• Conducting dynamic and static analyses of power grids dominated by power electronics with tools such as DIgSILENT and PSS/E.
• Disseminating results through publications, conferences, and social media.
•  Contributing to the creation of intellectual property (patents, licenses, etc.).
• Participating in project proposal preparation.

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Moreover, you will contribute to the dissemination, valorisation and transfer of RDI results through:

• Hardware/software licensing.
• Participation in the drafting of technical reports, scientific articles, patents and inventions.
• Participation in the implementation of technological solutions (proof-of-concepts, prototypes).

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

Education

• PhD degree in electrical engineering, industrial engineering, automation engineering, or related fields with the required expertise in control and automation of electrical grid.

Experience and skills

• At least 3-5 years of hands-on postdoc experience in power-electronics-dominated power grids.
• Solid experience with networked controllers and WAMS using standard communication protocols, such as IEC 61850, IEC 60870 101-104, Modbus, CAN, and others.
• Hands-on proficiency in prototyping and controlling power converters for medium and high-voltage applications, including MMC, SST, and DAB.
• Proficient in programming microcontrollers (ideally C2000) and networked controllers (preferably Beckhoff) using languages like C#, Python, and .Net, along with their corresponding Development Starter Kits (DSK).
• Familiar in RT-HIL simulation and control platforms for Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL), ideally with OPAL-RT.
• Familiar with power grid analysis tools, such as DIgSILENT and PSS/E.
• Experienced in laboratory settings, particularly in deploying networked controllers and testing hardware prototypes.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills (oral, written, and presentation) suitable for technical, management/executive, and business audiences.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an international team in the ICES RDI unit.

Language skills

• Fluent in English (written and oral). Knowledge in at least one of the official languages of Luxembourg (French, German or Luxembourgish) is an asset.

Your LIST benefits

• An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects
• Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society
• Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do
• An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas
• Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills
• Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce
• Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions
• Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science
• 32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance
• Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to lunch vouchers

 Apply online

• Your application must include:
• A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience
• A scientific CV with contact details
• List of publications (and patents, if applicable)
• Contact details of 2 references
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Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

• We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.
• LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.
• Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.