MSCA Doctoral Researcher

Organisation/Company Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)- BarcelonaTECH Department CITCEA Research Field Engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Spain Application Deadline 31 Jan 2026 - 22:00 (Europe/Brussels) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Reference Number Marie-Skłodowska-Curie WindConnect Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description Project Overview This doctoral position is part of WindConnect (\"Wind farm control and integration in sector-coupled power systems\"), a prestigious Horizon Europe Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) . The project addresses the critical challenges of integrating wind energy into modern power systems, ensuring grid stability and sustainability through multidisciplinary collaboration between 8 beneficiaries and 12 industrial partners across Europe. Objectives of the Position (1) Study relevant European scenarios for HPP installations, including offshore energy islands and onshore locations, defining scenarios for further analysis of renewable resource and electricity and hydrogen demand. (2) Analyse grid services provided by the HPP across different scenarios, include frequency and voltage support for AC grids and services for DC grids. (3) Evaluate and model relevant technologies for the system, including WTGs, ESSs and electrolysers, and model them for further analysis. (4) Develop a pre-design methodology to size HPP components based on a techno-economic analysis, optimizing CAPEX and OPEX, while ensuring relevant grid code requirements. (5) Apply the methodology to specific scenarios for techno-economic analysis, selecting the optimal solutions based on LCOE and LCOH. Expected Results Definition of relevant scenarios, specifications and technologies available for HPPs. Methodology for optimal predesign of HPPs. Application of the methodology to relevant scenarios for techno-economic evaluation. We are looking for high qualified and motivated candidates with the skills, background knowledge and enthusiasm to help the network make important research breakthroughs. On the date you start work (likely to be Spring-Summer 2026), you as researcher must not have lived in Spain for more than 12 of the previous 36 months, must have less than four years’ full-time equivalent research experience and must not have a doctoral degree. You as researcher will be employed by UPC for a total of 36 months. The project offers you competitive salaries (plus allowances) and funding for technical and personal skills training and participation in international research events. You will develop both theoretical and applied work as you will be in close contact to real applications. You will participate in international secondments to other organisations in the network and in outreach activities with audiences beyond the research community. Specific Requirements Requirements for candidates include: Strong academic qualification with an internationally recognized degree at Masters level in Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or any related field. In-depth knowledge of steady-state and dynamic power system analysis and modeling, or data science, or optimization (depending on each position). Software development experience in Python and/or relevant tools in the field. Experience that demonstrates your team-oriented, independent, innovative, and strategic working styles. Fluency in English, both written and spoken, so full benefit from the network training is derived. Candidates not fulfilling the previous requirement but interested in working with us are encouraged to contact us explaining the situation, as we may have other opportunities available. Copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates (Bachelor and Master or equivalent) in English. Letter of motivation, including the list of different project vacancies (in UPC and/or other partner institutions) where the candidate is applying and the dates when he/she would be available to start working. #J-18808-Ljbffr