Where: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands
When: application deadline May 25th, 2025
Title: Modeling Weather-Driven Failures – Optimizing Climate-Resilient Grid Operations
Description:
Two open PhD positions at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam as part of a new NWO-funded project at the intersection of applied probability, graph theory, and network optimization.
The goal is to develop mathematical foundations for climate-resilient energy systems – a pressing challenge as extreme weather events increasingly threaten the reliability of our power infrastructure. The two positions focus on complementary but distinct aspects of the problem.
PhD 1: Modeling Weather-Driven Failures
Develop parsimonious stochastic models using applied probability and graph theory to understand how spatially correlated extreme weather events cause multi-point failures across power grids.
PhD 2: Optimizing Climate-Resilient Grid Operations
Design flexible, cost-effective decision-making tools using stochastic optimization and simulation to support smart planning and reconfiguration of energy networks under uncertainty.
Both positions are fully funded for 4 years, with a tentative start date in September 2025. The application deadline is May 25th, 2025.
Details of the call, and about how to apply, can be found at: https://workingat.vu.nl/vacancies/phd-positions-in-applied-probability-and-network-optimization-amsterdam-1161112
Contact: Alessandro Zocca a.zocca@vu.nl