PhD Student AI Application Energy Management (f/m/d)

PhD Student AI Application Energy Management (f/m/d)

Work environment

Are you passionate about shaping the future of the energy industry and combining your scientific curiosity with hands‑on research? As a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, VW Kraftwerk GmbH is responsible for a wide range of energy and decarbonization solutions across the Group and develops innovative approaches for a sustainable, economical, and secure energy supply. The energy market is currently undergoing profound transformations: volatile electricity prices, increasing demands for forecasting accuracy, and the integration of new technologies such as battery storage and power‑to‑X systems present complex challenges for companies. At the same time, new flexibility opportunities are emerging through the growing electrification of mobility. As part of your doctoral research, you will work at the intersection of energy economics and artificial intelligence. Your goal will be to address these challenges using data‑driven methods – including the development of AI‑supported forecasting models for electricity prices, consumption, and generation; intelligent planning of storage and power‑to‑X systems; simulation of energy market scenarios; and evaluation of flexibility options in the field of e‑mobility. You can expect a dynamic work environment with a high degree of personal responsibility, close collaboration with internal departments, and plenty of room for scientific development, creative thinking, and sustainable innovation. We look forward to receiving your application!

Possible Tasks within this Role

• Analyzing and assessing the tangible value of AI applications in addressing current challenges in the energy sector
• Designing and testing innovative AI approaches to solve complex energy‑related problems
• Identifying new fields of application for AI – from electricity price forecasting to evaluating flexibility in e‑mobility
• Developing a comprehensive concept for the strategic use of AI in energy‑related processes
• Taking ownership of practical digitalization and AI projects and supporting their integration into operational workflows

The final doctoral topic is defined together with the professor. The prerequisite for cooperation is the confirmation of supervision and a confirmed definition of topics by the professor of a university or research institution entitled to award doctorates.

Qualification requirements

• Good to very good university degree qualifying for doctoral studies in computer science, engineering, mathematics or a comparable field of study
• Solid knowledge in data analysis, statistics and AI methods, especially machine learning and deep learning
• Understanding of energy market structures and dynamics is desirable
• Strong initiative, team orientation and a structured working style
• English language level B2 and German language level C1

The following documents must be submitted with the application

• Current transcript of records / Master’s or Diplom degree certificate

What we offer

• Attractive salary & 30 vacation days (+ 24.12. and 31.12. off)
• Special conditions for the purchase and leasing of vehicles
• Free seminars on scientific work and interdisciplinary qualifications
• Participation in the doctoral network for scientific exchange with science representatives and other doctoral candidates within the Volkswagen Group