About the opportunity
At AAU Energy, a position as a PhD stipend is available within the general study program, open for appointment from December 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The duration of the position is three years. This PhD position focuses on the application of quantum computing to computational challenges in power systems with high shares of renewable energy. You will investigate quantum and hybrid quantum-classical methods for power system analysis and optimization, with emphasis on their practical performance and suitability for real-time applications. Your work will include formulating representative power system analysis and optimization problems, developing and implementing quantum and hybrid quantum-classical solution methods, and comparing their performance with relevant classical approaches. The research will involve scientific programming, analysis and documentation of results, and dissemination through peer-reviewed publications and international conferences. The position is offered within the Center for Research on Microgrids, and the PhD student will be affiliated with the Electric Power Systems and Microgrids section at AAU Energy.
Salary and benefits
- Salary and terms of employment in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement)
- Fully-funded 3-year PhD stipend
- Access to advanced laboratory and workshop facilities
- Support services related to relocation, housing, and onboarding provided by the International Staff Unit
- Opportunities to attend Danish language courses
Who can apply?
- Hold a relevant Master's degree in electrical engineering, energy engineering, computer science, or a closely related field
- Solid foundation in mathematical modelling and numerical methods, together with experience in scientific programming, preferably in Python
- Expected knowledge of power system analysis and optimization (e.g., power flow and optimal power flow)
- Expected experience with quantum computing methods and algorithms (e.g., HHL, variational quantum linear solvers, QAOA, or quantum annealing)
- Good written and spoken English proficiency
Required documents
- Application stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Diplomas (Bachelor's and Master's degree diplomas, including grades)
- Other relevant documents
When to apply
- Application deadline: 30.10.2026
- Open for appointment from December 1, 2026, or as soon hereafter
How to apply
- Prepare the required documents including application, CV, and diplomas
- Submit the application via Aalborg University's recruitment system through the online application link
Additional information
- The position is based at the Aalborg campus within AAU Energy.
- Shortlisting will be applied after the application deadline.
- There is a mutual probationary period of 3 months for the position.
- The candidate must be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Researchers and graduates with a Master's degree in electrical engineering, energy engineering, computer science, or related fields who possess strong Python programming skills.
- Candidates with an academic interest or background bridging renewable energy power systems and quantum computing or hybrid algorithms.
- Applicants seeking a structured 3-year international PhD experience with top-tier research facilities, teaching duties, and a mandatory external research stay abroad.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position requires relocating to Aalborg, Denmark, although relocation and onboarding support are provided by the university.
- Applicants must commit to a fixed 3-year timeline involving doctoral coursework (30 ECTS), teaching activities, and an external research stay of 3 to 6 months.
- There is a mutual 3-month probationary period at the start of employment.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fully-funded 3-year PhD opportunity is ideal for individuals looking to build a specialized academic or industrial research profile at the intersection of quantum computing and future energy grids. It provides an excellent platform for publishing in peer-reviewed journals, building international networks through a foreign research stay, and gaining teaching experience within a top-tier energy research department.
Our take
Candidates holding a relevant Master's degree with a solid background in power systems and scientific programming should seriously consider applying before the October 30, 2026 deadline. Those lacking background in either mathematical modeling or quantum-classical methodologies may find this highly specialized position less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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