A researcher in Modelling and Integration of Distributed Energy Resources in Power Systems

The Centre on Sustainable Energy (SE) supports the development of devices and methods for generation, storage, and distribution of energy solutions at low environmental impact. This will be done in the perspective of energy sustainability, of systems and solutions that respect the environment and the quality of life, of solutions with a lower impact on health and on environmental pollution levels. The ground for the Centre on “Sustainable Energy” is based on the Decarbonization targets, which will demand for more flexibility of the energy system, through new gas and power grids and using energy vectors and storage solutions, as enablers for the wide penetration of renewables.

The Battery and Electrification Technologies (BET) Unit targets the development and optimal use of battery technologies in both mobility and stationary applications. BET focuses on current and upcoming battery and storage technologies (e.g., LIBs, SSBs, RFBs, HESS) working on a wide range of topics from material development and characterisation to demonstration activities in relevant environment, including of course modelling and optimal management.

Job Description

The position concerns the modelling and simulation of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and their interaction with the power grid. The successful candidate will work in the Battery and Electrification Technologies (BET) Unit, supporting both European and national projects. The position is offered within the Horizon Europe project GRIDFFIN (GRID-Forming technologies For INteroperable European grids), which develops and demonstrates grid-forming technologies for more resilient grids with a high share of renewables.

The candidate will build accurate models of battery systems and of the DC side of grid-forming converters. These models will be validated in simulation, real-time tests, and pilot demonstrations.

The activities of the successful candidate will focus on:

• Developing electromagnetic transient (EMT) and root-mean-square (RMS) models of a DC bus with BESS, EV chargers, and PV, suitable for fast transients;
• Building and parametrising battery models from test data (e.g., equivalent circuit models (ECM) and electrochemical models);
• Developing data-driven estimators for BESS;
• Integrating DC subsystem models into real-time and controller hardware-in-the-loop (CHIL) environments, and checking them against EMT reference results;
• Supporting AC/DC integration studies and the validation of the pilot demonstrations;
• Developing and testing microgrid operation and energy management strategies for storage-based systems;
• Writing technical deliverables, reports, and scientific papers.

Job requirements

The ideal candidate should have:

• MSc in Electrical or Energy Engineering, or other relevant fields;
• Solid knowledge of battery technologies and battery energy storage systems;
• Experience in the modelling and simulation of batteries (e.g., ECM or electrochemical models);
• Experience in EMT or RMS simulation of power electronics and power systems, preferably in MATLAB/Simulink;
• Basic knowledge of the grid integration of inverter-based resources, including grid-forming and grid-following converters;
• Ability to analyse experimental and field data and to identify model parameters (e.g. MATLAB, Python);
• Programming skills in at least one of Python, C++, or OpenModelica;
• Ability to write technical reports and scientific papers;
• Good knowledge of written and spoken English;
• Ability to manage multiple projects effectively;
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment, with a strong commitment to achieving assigned objectives;
• Good communication and relational skills;
• Self-motivation and result orientation.

Furthermore, the following elements will be positively evaluated:

• PhD degree in fields related to this call;
• Experience with real-time simulation or CHIL (e.g., OPAL-RT, RTDS);
• Hands-on experience in microgrid operation and energy management;
• Experience in machine learning applied to energy systems;
• Good knowledge of written and spoken Italian.

Employment

Type of contract: fixed-term contract

Working hours: Full time (38 h per week)

Start date: Preferably January 2026

Duration: 24 months with the possibility of extending the contract depending on funding

Workplace: Povo (Trento) and Rovereto

Gross annual salary: From €41.245,00 to €47.182,01 depending on background and expertise in the field, plus objectives achievements bonus

Benefits: flexi-time, company subsidized cafeteria or meal vouchers, internal car park, welcome

office support for visa formalities and for research in accommodation, accommodation etc., supplementary pension and health fund, social security (SANIFONDS), family-work balance, free training courses, support on bank account opening, discount on public transport, sport, language course fees, counseling and psychological support service. More info at https://www.fbk.eu/en/work-with-us/

Application

Interested candidates are requested to submit their application by completing the online form. Please make sure that your application contains the following attachments (in pdf format):

• Detailed CV including relevant past experiences (as an attached document in PDF format);
• Cover Letter (explaining your motivation for this specific position).
• At least 2 professional references (e-mails and/or phone numbers)

Application deadline: 01/12/2026