R&d Professional Lv Gds

In the research group for **Algorithms, Models, and Optimization (AMO)** in VITO’s Energy Technology Unit at EnergyVille we focus on discovering, harvesting, and valorizing flexibility in energy production, distribution, and consumption as a key factor in the drive towards a sustainable future energy system. In cooperation with EnergyVille’s thermal, electrical, and market centric research groups we investigate, design, and implement pragmatic, data-driven, solutions and build high performance power flow, control, scheduling, orchestration, bidding, and decision support algorithms.

One of the research topics within the AMO team is to support the European distribution grid operators with the challenge of readying the low voltage grid for the electrification of transport and heating, and distributed generation**:low voltage grid decision support**. We design and build data driven tools that improve the visibility on the low voltage grid and that allow more optimal investments in and exploitation of the LV grid assets. This research is at the crossing of power systems engineering and data science, which is reflected in the multi-disciplinary team working on it. Concrete examples of our work are the use of smart metering data to discover the layout and state of LV grids, to optimize the layout of LV grids, hosting capacity calculations, grid impact analysis of future scenarios, grid traffic light design and implementation, etc.
- You actively take part in and sometimes lead national and European research projects, as well as commercial contract research with distribution system operators and energy regulators. You responsibly contribute to the deliverables and manage the project team at VITO. You communicate produced results with industry and/or with international partners. You are willing to manage commercial contacts and research project consortia;
- You publish research results in international, peer-reviewed journals in collaboration with PhD students and you present your research results in international forums. You support the IP production and valorization within VITO;
- Together with the team, you are responsible for acquiring new research projects and writing research proposals.

**Desired skills and experience**:

- You have a master’s degree in **electrical engineering**, **power engineering**, **computer science**, **applied mathematics**, **physics** or a relevant similar education. A PhD in a related field is a strong plus;
- You have three or more years of **experience working with a DSO** (or TSO) and/or executing projects for DSO’s and regulators. You have a thorough background in the challenges posed by electrification and intermittent energy production to the low voltage grid;
- You have expertise in power systems engineering, i.e., hands on experience in planning and operating electrical grids. Experience with (optimal) power flow is a strong plus;
- You are fluent in Flemish/Dutch and/or French. You are willing to talk to customers and understand their needs. You have excellent written and oral communication skills;
- You are capable to implement your solutions together with the team. You have an affinity to programming, artificial intelligence techniques, optimization techniques, and/or data science approaches. Python experience is a plus;
- You have a general interest in the energy transition, particularly green energy, electrification, and sustainability.
- You are self-motivated and ready to take ownership. You work well in a team and enjoy contributing and growing in close collaboration with highly skilled peers;
- You are excited about growing into related areas and extending your expertise;
**Offer**:

- The opportunity to work activity-related: your activities determine your workplace. On average, you are expected at our office in Genk but VITO offers you also to work from home or from other VITO locations (Mol, Berchem, Ghent, Ostend), depending on the needs of the activities and your team.
- An attractive salary package supplemented with extra-legal benefits such as allowances, insurances and a modular holiday package.
- A great deal of freedom and flexibility in your job, allowing you to achieve an attractive work-life balance.
- Innovation is our core value, we give our employees the opportunity to train themselves and stay up-to-date within their field of expertise, and we expect them to.