PHD

POSITION Optimization in Smart Grids

Effective September 2013, the Center for Operations Research and Econometrics of the Catholic University of Louvain has a vacancy for a PhD position in the area of stochastic optimization in smart grids. The hired researcher is expected to conduct research on energy system operations, planning and economics, with a specific emphasis on the management of uncertainty. Specific areas of interest include renewable energy integration, demand response integration in smart grids, investment planning in power systems, risk management and optimization of short- term scheduling in energy markets. The large-scale integration of renewable energy and demand response resources in smart grids is introducing a variety of exciting computational, operational, economic and policy challenges in energy systems operations, and the management of uncertainty plays a predominant role in this new era of energy systems. This research is aimed at developing novel models and computational tools for addressing the question of how our society can achieve sustainable growth by increasing the integration of renewable energy sources in a system where consumers participate actively in the intelligent consumption of energy. The research will rely heavily on high performance computing in order to implement parallel, distributed algorithms for smart grid planning and operations. Description of the position The main activity of the doctoral student will be to conduct doctoral research under the supervision of Professor Anthony Papavasiliou in the department of Applied Mathematics at UCL. This research will lead to journal publications and a PhD. Thesis. The PhD candidate may also be involved in teaching activities. Contingent on continuing funding and active collaboration with U.S. partners, the PhD candidate will also have the opportunity to collaborate with U.S. research groups at the University of California at Berkeley, either remotely or through spending one semester in California. the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, by accessing one of the worlds most powerful supercomputers, the LLNL High Performance Computing cluster. The grant is for four years, subject to renewal in the end of the second year, and carries full benefits and a monthly net amount of approximately 1,550 1,650 . Required qualifications The ideal candidate should have a degree on the master level in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics or a related field. The ideal candidate should
CORE, Voie du Roman Pays, 34 Office b.114 - B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium Tel .(32 10) 47 43 25 Fax (32 10) 47 43 01 E-mail : anthony.papavasiliou@uclouvain.be http://perso.uclouvain.be/anthony.papavasiliou/public_html/

have a solid background in optimization, mathematics, statistics and economics, an interest for the application of operations research in energy systems and strong programming skills. Proficient knowledge of English is highly desirable. Knowledge of French is not required. A background in power systems is highly desirable, though not required. To apply Applications, including a CV, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation and evidence of competency in English (e.g. TOEFL, GRE, proficiency degrees) should be sent to Professor Anthony Papavasiliou at anthony.papavasiliou@uclouvain.be. Applications should be sent as soon as possible and no later than August 23, 2013. The position will commence no later than January 2014. Early hiring (September 2013) is possible. For more information, please contact Professor Papavasiliou directly, or visit the following website : http://perso.uclouvain.be/anthony.papavasiliou/public_html/home/. Further information on the Center for Operations Research and Econometrics can be found at http://www.uclouvain.be/en-core.html or by contacting M. Francisco Santana Ferra at francisco.santanaferra@uclouvain.be.

CORE, Voie du Roman Pays, 34 Office b.114 - B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium Tel .(32 10) 47 43 25 Fax (32 10) 47 43 01 E-mail : anthony.papavasiliou@uclouvain.be http://perso.uclouvain.be/anthony.papavasiliou/public_html/