项目介绍

2026年7月9日

SDU Center for Energy Informatics, University of Southern Denmark

The SDU Center for Energy Informatics invites applications for several PhD positions within the field of Energy Informatics. The positions are available for a three-year period.

The SDU Center for Energy Informatics is a leading interdisciplinary research centre dedicated to advancing digital technologies for the green transition of the energy sector. The centre conducts research at the intersection of energy systems, artificial intelligence, software engineering, and data intensive methods, with a strong focus on real world impact through collaboration with industry, utilities, and public stakeholders.

Research themes

The PhD positions are embedded in ongoing national and international research projects and will focus on the following two themes:

#1 Next-Generation Digital Twins for Intelligent Heating and Cooling Optimization in Buildings

This PhD theme focuses on the development of next-generation AI-driven Digital Twin technologies for intelligent heating and cooling optimization in buildings. The positions will contribute to the design, implementation, and validation of scalable Digital Twin platforms that integrate real-time building data, advanced machine learning models, and predictive management strategies. Applications will be demonstrated in real operational environments, enabling improved energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced indoor environmental quality in complex building systems.

#2 Predictive Maintenance and Asset Management of Smart Energy Networks

This PhD theme addresses the use of artificial intelligence, data-driven modelling, and advanced analytics to improve the reliability and operation of smart energy networks, including smart grids and district heating networks. The positions will focus on developing methods for condition monitoring, fault prediction, risk assessment, and maintenance planning by combining diverse data sources such as sensor measurements, operational data, inspection records, and asset information. The research will support more informed and proactive asset management decisions in real energy infrastructures, contributing to higher system reliability, reduced maintenance costs, better use of energy-related assets, and a more resilient energy system.

The exact research topic will be defined jointly with the successful candidate, taking into account project needs, academic background, and research interests.

PhD position and research environment

As a PhD student at the SDU Center for Energy Informatics, you will conduct independent research under the supervision of senior researchers, contribute to high quality scientific publications, and participate actively in a dynamic and collaborative research environment. The position includes opportunities for participation in conferences, journal publications, and close collaboration with industrial and public sector partners.

The PhD programme is structured according to the Danish PhD framework and includes coursework, dissemination activities, and teaching or knowledge dissemination duties corresponding to approximately 840 working hours over the three-year period.

Required qualifications

Applicants are expected to hold a master’s degree in computer science, software engineering, energy engineering, electrical engineering, building services, or a closely related field by the time of enrolment.

The successful candidate should demonstrate the following qualifications and competences:

• A solid academic foundation in data analysis, machine learning, optimisation, system modelling, or related quantitative methods, as acquired through master’s level coursework and project work.
• Familiarity with data driven modelling approaches relevant to smart grid, district heating, HVAC systems, or smart buildings, such as regression, classification, time series analysis, or basic predictive modelling.
• Experience with data handling, including data cleaning, transformation, exploratory analysis, and basic feature engineering.
• Experience with Python or a similar programming language, and basic exposure to scientific computing or machine learning libraries, combined with an interest in developing robust, research oriented software implementations.
• Familiarity with AI techniques is required, while experience with multimodal data analysis, large language models (LLMs), and the application of modern AI models in energy and industrial contexts is considered an advantage. Awareness of reliability, interpretability, and responsible AI use is also desirable.
• Strong analytical skills, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary research settings.

Contact information

For further information about the PhD positions or the SDU Center for Energy Informatics, please visit
https://www.sdu.dk/en/energyinformatics

Informal enquiries may be directed to

Professor Bo Nørregaard Jørgensen

Head of Center, SDU Center for Energy Informatics

Email: bnj@mmmi.sdu.dk

The SDU Center for Energy Informatics looks forward to receiving applications from highly motivated candidates who wish to contribute to research at the forefront of digitalisation and the green energy transition.

If you experience technical problems, please contact our email support.

Application

Before applying the candidates are advised to read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students and the SDU information on how to apply.

Assessment of candidates is based on the application material, and the application must include: 

• Curriculum Vitae.
• A brief statement of research interests and motivation, including a clear indication of whether the applicant is applying for Theme 1 or Theme 2.
• Documentation of academic qualifications, including Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates or equivalent, including transcripts of grades (original and an official English translation). 
• Two letters of recommendation.
• List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications (in case you have any publications).
• Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants. Find the form at the Faculty website.
• Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at the Faculty website. 
• An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish). 
• Only for applicants from programmes that evaluate thesis/examination project by approved/not approved: An official written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade giving institution. The statement must clearly state that the candidate has been among the top 30 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.