Job Information
- Organisation/Company: KU LEUVEN
- Research Field: Engineering » Electrical engineering
- Researcher Profile: Established Researcher (R3)
- Application Deadline: 16 Sep 2026 - 23:59 (UTC)
- Country: Belgium
- Type of Contract: To be defined
- Job Status: Full-time
- Offer Starting Date: 1 Dec 2026
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme
Offer Description
The global energy transition is driving an unprecedented deployment of power electronic converters in transmission networks. HVDC interconnections, offshore grids, long underground cable systems and grid-forming technologies are fundamentally changing power system dynamics. Ensuring secure interaction between converters and the surrounding network has therefore emerged as one of the most challenging topics in modern power systems research. We seek an exceptional postdoctoral researcher to develop next-generation methodologies for control design and dynamic stability assessment of converter-dominated AC, DC and hybrid AC/DC systems. Research topics include converter control design, small-signal stability analysis, impedance- and admittance-based methods, frequency-domain characterization, grid-forming converters, multi-converter interactions, EMT-based validation and scalable modelling approaches bridging EMT and system-level studies. The researcher will contribute scientifically through independent research, supervision of PhD students, publications in leading IEEE journals, participation in international expert groups, and collaboration with industrial partners and transmission system operators
You hold a PhD degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field and have an outstanding publication record demonstrating scientific excellence. You possess strong expertise in power system dynamics, power electronics, HVDC systems, converter control, stability analysis or related areas. Experience with EMT simulation tools, frequency-domain modelling, real-time simulation or hardware-in-the-loop environments is highly valued. Beyond technical excellence, we seek candidates with intellectual curiosity, scientific creativity and the ambition to become future leaders in the field. You are an excellent communicator, enjoy mentoring junior researchers and can operate effectively in an international research environment.
This position is aimed at researchers who want to define the future of transmission-system dynamics in an increasingly converter-dominated world. The work will place you at the forefront of emerging questions around stability, interoperability and control of large-scale power electronic infrastructures. Outstanding candidates will find an environment that combines scientific freedom, strong industrial relevance and the opportunity to generate lasting impact on the future electricity grid.
We offer a unique opportunity to conduct world-leading research at KU Leuven and EnergyVille, one of Europe’s foremost research environments for HVDC technology and future transmission systems. The position provides access to state-of-the-art simulation, real-time and laboratory infrastructure at Etch, close collaboration with industry and transmission system operators, and exceptional opportunities for international visibility. The successful candidate will join a highly motivated research team tackling fundamental challenges that will influence the design and operation of future power systems. We offer a competitive postdoctoral package including university benefits, support for conference participation and opportunities to build an internationally recognized research profile.
Applicants should submit a CV, academic transcripts and a motivation letter through the KU Leuven application portal. In addition, candidates should provide a brief technical statement (maximum half an A4 page) discussing: (1) their motivation for applying; and (2) highlight their key expertise on stability assessment of converter-based power systems.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Jef Beerten, mail: jef.beerten@kuleuven.be or Mr. Jeroen Tant, mail: jeroen.tant@kuleuven.be.
Where to apply
Website: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60729103?hl=en
Requirements
- Research Field: Engineering
- Education Level: PhD or equivalent
- Languages: ENGLISH Level: Excellent
- Languages: DUTCH Level: Excellent
- Languages: DUTCH Level: Good
- Research Field: Engineering » Electrical engineering
- Years of Research Experience: 4 - 10
Additional Information
Benefits
We offer a unique opportunity to conduct world-leading research at KU Leuven and EnergyVille, one of Europe’s foremost research environments for HVDC technology and future transmission systems. The position provides access to state-of-the-art simulation, real-time and laboratory infrastructure at Etch, close collaboration with industry and transmission system operators, and exceptional opportunities for international visibility. The successful candidate will join a highly motivated research team tackling fundamental challenges that will influence the design and operation of future power systems. We offer a competitive postdoctoral package including university benefits, support for conference participation and opportunities to build an internationally recognized research profile.
Eligibility criteria
You hold a PhD degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field and have an outstanding publication record demonstrating scientific excellence. You possess strong expertise in power system dynamics, power electronics, HVDC systems, converter control, stability analysis or related areas. Experience with EMT simulation tools, frequency-domain modelling, real-time simulation or hardware-in-the-loop environments is highly valued. Beyond technical excellence, we seek candidates with intellectual curiosity, scientific creativity and the ambition to become future leaders in the field. You are an excellent communicator, enjoy mentoring junior researchers and can operate effectively in an international research environment.
Selection process
Applicants should submit a CV, academic transcripts and a motivation letter through the KU Leuven application portal. In addition, candidates should provide a brief technical statement (maximum half an A4 page) discussing: (1) their motivation for applying; and (2) highlight their key expertise on stability assessment of converter-based power systems.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Jef Beerten, mail: jef.beerten@kuleuven.be or Mr. Jeroen Tant, mail: jeroen.tant@kuleuven.be.
Website for additional job details: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60729103?hl=en
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: KU LEUVEN
- Country: Belgium
- City: Genk
Contact
City: Genk
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