Call for Applications
The Lithuanian Energy Institute, Lietuvos energetikos institutas (LEI), based in Kaunas, Lithuania, invites applications for a doctoral position in the research area of Development and Research of Demand Response Control Algorithms in Smart Grids (https://www.lei.lt ).
MSCA Doctoral Network
The research will be carried out within the CoDeF project, Consumer Demand Flexibility in Electricity Use, 2024–2028; see https://www.codef-dn.eu. The project is funded by the MSCA Doctoral Networks programme under the call HORIZON-MSCA-2023-DN-01 and by the Lithuanian state budget. As a partner in the CoDeF consortium, LEI offers the opportunity to join an international research environment focused on advancing consumer demand flexibility in electricity use.
Job Description
The project will focus on the development and investigation of Demand Response (DR) control algorithms for smart grids. It will address the modelling and simulation of power system operating modes with high levels of flexible demand acting as frequency restoration reserves to correct short-term system imbalances.
The control algorithms developed in this work will support the gradual and reliable activation and deactivation of flexible capacity, helping to prevent disturbances and reduce operational stress in the power system. The work will involve programming, algorithm development, and validation using power system simulation tools.
Recruitment and Funding
The four-year doctoral programme will start on 1 September 2026. The successful candidate will be recruited by LEI and will receive financial support through both the Lithuanian state-funded doctoral scholarship and three-year MSCA Doctoral Network fellowship funding. This provides a strong financial package throughout the study period.
The doctoral studies will include 30 ECTS credits and an internship at a CoDeF partner institution. The candidate will also benefit from international collaboration and knowledge exchange within the CoDeF consortium, supporting the development of innovative research with clear relevance to energy policy and society.
Eligibility Requirement
The candidate must not have resided or carried out their main activity, such as work or studies, in Lithuania for more than 12 months during the three years immediately prior to the start of the assignment.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must hold an MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Informatics, or a closely related field.
Desirable Qualifications
A strong background in mathematical optimisation, programming, and power system modelling is desirable. Research experience and publications in high-level scientific journals will be considered a competitive advantage during the evaluation of applications.
Supervision
The doctoral candidate will be supervised by Dr Virginijus Radziukynas, Senior Researcher at the Smart Grids and Renewable Energy Laboratory at LEI. His expertise in smart grid modelling, energy demand flexibility, and the integration of renewable energy sources closely matches the proposed doctoral research topic. His ORCID profile is available here: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0764-387X.
The second supervisor will be Dr Lena Kitzing from the Technical University of Denmark, a CoDeF partner institution.
Awarding of Degree
Upon completion of the PhD thesis, the candidate will defend it before the joint Doctoral Committee of LEI and Kaunas University of Technology (KTU). The doctoral degree will be awarded by KTU.
Contacts
For more information or to request an application form, please contact the supervisor of this doctoral research project, Dr Virginijus Radziukynas, at virginijus.radziukynas@lei.lt, copying Dr Arturas Klementavičius at arturas.klementavicius@lei.lt.