PhD Fellow in AI-Automated Voltage Control for Future Distribution Networks

The position A PhD position is available at the Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Science and Technology in AI-Automated Voltage Control (VC) for Future Distribution Networks.

The position is for a period of three years. The objective of the position is to complete research training to the level of a doctoral degree. Admission to the PhD programme is a prerequisite for employment, and the programme period starts on commencement of the position.

The workplace is at UiT in Narvik. You must be able to start in the position within a reasonable time after receiving the offer.

The position’s field of research The increasing penetration of distributed energy resources, electric vehicles, and flexible loads is making distribution networks more dynamic and challenging to operate using conventional voltage regulation methods. To address growing voltage variability and the limitations of traditional controllers, this PhD project proposes the development of advanced AI-based, automated, and intelligent fast-control strategies for voltage control in future distribution grids with high uncertainty and dynamic environments.

The project will consider various uncertain scenarios and will utilize and develop advanced AI-based control and management strategies capable of managing multiple voltage-regulating devices and DERs through scalable control structures. Advanced machine learning, reinforcement learning, and agent-based optimization techniques will be developed to reduce voltage deviations, cut active power curtailment, and improve system adaptability under diverse operating conditions. The hierarchical design will combine rapid local decision-making with system-wide supervisory control to ensure both quick responsiveness and overall coordination.

A comprehensive validation framework will be established, beginning with offline simulations using detailed distribution network models to test and benchmark the proposed control strategies. These developments will then be evaluated using real-time digital simulators for hardware-in-the-loop experiments. Additionally, a Cyberphysical co-simulation environment will be used to assess controller performance under realistic communication and control conditions.

The expected outcome is a robust, intelligent, and practical VC solution that enhances voltage regulation, improves grid flexibility, and supports higher renewable penetration in future smart distribution networks.

The applicants must present a description outlining the academic basis of the PhD project. The project description shall not exceed 4 pages, literature references included. It must include a description of the topic, research question(s) and a reasoning of the choices. It should also indicate the methodologies to be used. The final project description will be developed in cooperation with the supervisor.

Qualifications This position requires a master’s degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Power Engineering, Electrical Power Systems, Electrical Energy Systems, Electrical Power and Smart Grids, Smart Grids, Power and Energy Systems. If you are near completion of your master’s degree, you may still apply.

Applicants must document fluency of in English and be able to work in an international environment. Nordic applicants can document their English capabilities by attaching their high school diploma. Working knowledge of Norwegian or a Scandinavian language is also beneficial.

Desirable qualifications include experience with one or more of the following:

• power system analysis and distribution networks
• modelling and simulation using tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, OpenDSS or equivalent
• programming in Python, MATLAB or similar languages
• optimisation, control theory, machine learning or reinforcement learning
• real-time simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, or cyber-physical systems

In the assessment, the emphasis is on the applicant's potential to complete a research education based on the master's thesis or equivalent, and any other scientific work. The project description will also be considered. In addition, professional experience and other experience of significance for the completion of the doctoral programme will be taken into consideration.

We will also emphasize motivation and personal suitability for the position. We are looking for candidates who:

• Have good collaboration skills
• Have good communication and interaction with colleagues and students
• Wants to contribute to a good working environment

As many people as possible should have the opportunity to undertake organized research training. If you already hold a PhD or have equivalent competence, we will not appoint you to this position.

Admission to the PhD programme For employment in the PhD position, you must be qualified for admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Engineering Science and Technology and participate in organized doctoral studies within the employment period.

Admission normally requires:

• A bachelor's degree of 180 ECTS and a master's degree of 120 ECTS, or an integrated master's degree of 300 ECTS.
• A master's thesis with a scope corresponding to at least 30 ECTS for a master's degree of 120 ECTS.
• A master's thesis with a scope corresponding to at least 20 ECTS for an integrated master's degree of 300 ECTS.

In order to gain admission to the programme, applicants with a background from a Norwegian institution should have a minimum grade of C on their master thesis and a weighted grade average of 3.0 for the last two years of their master programme. A more detailed description of admission requirements can be found here.

If you are employed in the position, you will be provisionally admitted to the PhD programme. Application for final admission must be submitted no later than two months after taking up the position.

Applicants with a foreign education will be subjected to an evaluation of whether the educational bac