PhD Position in Algorithmic Energy Trading

Universiteit Twente

  • Enschede, Overijssel
  • € 2.770 per maand
  • Vast
  • Voltijds
  • 9 dagen geleden
  • Versneld solliciteren
Hours38 hr.Salary indicationSalary gross/monthly
based on full-time€ 3,059 - € 3,881Deadline30 Sep 2025In recent years, the energy sector has undergone changes that have a high impact on the dynamics in power markets. One of the changes has been the shift towards energy production from intermittent sources, such as wind and solar. As a consequence of this shift, the amounts of energy that are traded at the short-term markets throughout a day are uncertain, as they depend on hardly predictable weather conditions.This uncertainty increases the volatility of short-term energy prices, and thus makes it much more challenging to make economically viable energy trading decisions. One way to respond to this challenge is to leverage assets such as grid-level battery storage, and electrolyzers to have more flexibility when making trading decisions. The challenge then is how to optimally leverage such an asset to make viable trading decisions under high price volatility.This PhD position focuses on designing, developing, and evaluating self-learning energy trading algorithms that are able to cope with these challenges. By leveraging real-time data, developed algorithms continuously adapt to market dynamics and respond to changing market signals with economically viable trading decisions.Within this project, you will have the opportunity to work not only with colleagues at the HBE department of the University of Twente, but also with researchers and energy traders from our industrial partner in the energy sector, including the opportunity for regular visits to our partner's trading floor.Your profileWe look for a highly motivated researcher who is driven by curiosity and has/is:
  • Master's degree or equivalent from an EU/US/UK based university, in Operations Research, Computer Science , Mathematics, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline;
  • Affinity and/or experience with computer programming, statistical learning, and optimization techniques;
  • A good team spirit and feel at home at the intersection of academia and industry;
  • Able to do independent research within an ongoing research project;
  • Willing to develop skills in coding, writing, and publishing;
  • Exhibit a strong passion and possess outstanding skills in algorithmic design;
  • Possess good communication skills and an excellent command of English.
Our offerWe encourage high responsibility and independence, while collaborating with colleagues, researchers, other university staff and industry partners. We follow the terms of employment by the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO). Our offer contains: a fulltime 4-year PhD position with a qualifier in the first year; excellent mentorship in a stimulating research environment with excellent facilities; and a personal development program within the Twente Graduate School. It also includes:
  • Gross monthly salary of € 2.770 in the first year, increasing each year up to € 3.539 in the fourth year;
  • Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;
  • 29 holidays per year in case of full-time employment;
  • A training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;
  • A green campus with free access to sports facilities and an international scientific community;
  • A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);
  • A full status as an employee at the UT, including pension, health care benefits and good secondary conditions are part of our collective labour agreement CAO-NU for Dutch universities.
Information and applicationAre you interested to be part of our team? Applications for this position will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The vacancy will remain open until we find and onboard the right candidate. Early applications are encouraged as positions may be filled before the vacancy's official closure. You can apply for this position before September 30 2025, by clicking the 'apply now' button below. Please include:
  • A Cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, and motivations to apply for this position;
  • A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references;
  • An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).
Additional information can be acquired via email from Stephan Meisel (s.m.meisel@utwente.nl). Please do not send applications to this email address.Share this vacancyAbout the departmentThe HBE cluster is dedicated to encouraging a supportive and inclusive working culture. Our aim is that all job applicants are given equal opportunities. When we select candidates for employment, it will be on the basis of their competence and ability. To support the workforce diversity, we are open to offer flexible working conditions on an individual basis to support work-life balance, that may include contract of employment, working hours and location, or child care arrangements.Please have a look at our video to learn more about our department. Hightech Business and EntrepreneurshipAbout the organisationAt the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS), we unite the worlds of people and technology to address today's complex societal challenges. We are passionate about understanding human behaviour, fostering responsible innovation, and designing solutions that create societal value. Our educational programmes span disciplines such as Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communication Sciences, Philosophy, Educational Sciences, and Health Sciences. Through our bachelor's and master's degrees, Professional Learning & Development programmes, and interdisciplinary research themes - including Emerging Technologies & Societal Transformations, Resilience, Smart Industry, Learning, and Health - we empower students and researchers to make a positive societal impact.At BMS, we combine critical thinking with practical action. From advancing sustainable mobility with innovations like the world's most efficient hydrogen car to shaping policies that promote digital inclusion, our work contributes to a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future. Whether it's exploring how technology influences human behaviour or leveraging data and innovation to transform industries and communities, we ensure that technology serves people - and not the other way around.As an employer, BMS offers a vibrant, inclusive, and entrepreneurial environment where you can thrive personally and professionally. Join us and become part of a forward-thinking community that equips you to shape the future - for yourself and society. With us, you will become part of a leading technical university with increasing, positive social impact.Want to know more?Meisel, S.M. (Stephan)
Associate ProfessorMeisel, S.M. (Stephan)
Associate ProfessorDo you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Stephan for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Universiteit Twente