PhD position - Analysis of Transformation Pathways for European Gas and Hydrogen Grids in Integ[...]

Stellenbeschreibung:

Your Job

The transition to renewable energy is reshaping Europe’s energy infrastructure. The growing share of fluctuating renewables, coupled with electrification of transport, heating, and industry, is driving stronger sector coupling. At the Institute of Climate and Energy Systems - Energy Systems Engineering (ICE-1) , we develop advanced models and algorithms to simulate and optimize integrated multi-energy systems, capturing complex interdependencies between electricity, gas, and heat networks. The gas sector, including hydrogen technologies, can provide both flexibility and decarbonization potential.

Your tasks in detail

Investigate the impacts of future transformation pathways on the operational security and resilience of gas and hydrogen infrastructures, considering hydrogen blending, pipeline repurposing, and Power-to-Gas technologies
Evaluate and compare system operational behaviours under diverse policy and market scenarios (e.g., hydrogen import strategies, regional demand developments) through scenario-based modelling
Assess the interactions between gas, electricity, and heat sectors, focusing on operational flexibility, cross-sectoral dependencies, and potential bottlenecks
Enhance and extend our simulation tools and models (GasNetSim) to meet evolving research requirements and support comprehensive system analyses
Extend our simulation tool (GasNetSim) and grid models to fulfil research needs
Disseminate your findings through scientific publications, conferences, and collaborations
Supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s students and represent the institute in national and international research contexts

Your Profile

Excellent Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, energy systems, computational engineering, or a related field
Strong background in numerical methods and applied mathematics
Proficient in programming (Python and C++)
Fluent in written and spoken English; knowledge of German is an asset
Strong analytical and independent working style
Excellent teamwork and communication skills

Our Offer

Join a diverse and supportive research group at one of Europe’s leading research centers, where you will work on cutting-edge energy system models developing solutions for Europe energy system decarbonization. You will have access world-class infrastructure (including the Jülich Supercomputing Centre), and develop skills to advance your future career in academia or industry.

We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

Pursue a PhD at RWTH Aachen University under the supervision of Prof. Benigni
Access cutting-edge infrastructure, including the Jülich Supercomputing Centre
Participate in projects, meetings, and international conferences
30 days of annual leave and flexible working arrangements, including partial remote work
Strong support and mentoring for building a career in academia or industry
Professional development through JuDocS, including training courses, networking, and structured continuing education ( )
Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service

The position is for a fixed term of 3,5 years, where the first 6 months serve as orientation and probation period. Pay is in line with 13 (75%) of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). The monthly salaries in euro can be found on the BMI website: Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich (including its various branch offices) is available at

In addition to exciting tasks and the collaborative working atmosphere at Forschungszentrum Jülich, we have a lot more to offer ( ).