As a Junior Researcher at Utrecht University, you will contribute to the FlexSynX project, an innovative initiative developing and validating large-scale bidirectional charging (V2G) of electric vehicles as a flexibility solution for the electricity grid.
You will work at the intersection of energy systems, data analysis, and market design, contributing to the evaluation of a real-world pilot involving hundreds of electric shared vehicles, charging infrastructure, and a central control platform.
Your work will directly support the validation of the system’s technical performance, grid impact, and market potential, in close collaboration with academic and industry partners.
Your main responsibilities include:
-
Designing and implementing data analysis workflows for large-scale energy and mobility datasets
-
Supporting the development and execution of the project’s validation and evaluation plan
-
Analysing grid impact, flexibility provision, and system value of V2G solutions
-
Contributing to modeling efforts on congestion management and energy market participation, including system balancing
-
Interpreting results and translating findings into scientific reports and publications
-
Collaborating with project partners (e.g., grid operators, industry, and research institutes)
-
Supporting knowledge dissemination to both scientific and stakeholder audiences
This position builds on prior large-scale research and demonstration projects on smart charging and energy flexibility. In particular, the ROBUST project demonstrated the technical and societal feasibility of distributed flexibility from electric vehicles, while the SCALE project further explored scalable smart charging solutions and system integration. More information can be found at: https://www.tki-robust.nl and https://www.scale-project.eu
Must-have:
-
MSc degree in energy systems, engineering, data science, economics, or a related field
-
Strong programming skills in Python (data analysis, modeling, or simulation)
-
Demonstrated knowledge of relevant research domains (e.g., energy systems, flexibility, smart charging, V2G electricity markets, ancillary services)
-
Familiarity with relevant scientific literature and ability to work with academic sources
-
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
-
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team
-
Excellent written and spoken English
Nice-to-have:
-
Experience with energy system modeling, V2G, or EV integration
-
Knowledge of electricity market design (e.g., congestion management, balancing markets)
-
Experience with large-scale or real-world datasets
-
Dutch language skills
We offer:
-
a position (1.0 FTE) till March 2028;.
-
a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 3.057 and €3.985 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 7 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
-
8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
-
a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.
In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.
Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.
The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development (Department of Sustainable Development) is a vibrant international research community that aims to help accelerate the transition to a sustainable society. We do this by developing excellent and relevant knowledge, collaborating with citizens, politicians, policymakers, NGOs and firms to learn from each other and influence decision-making, and by educating the change agents of the future. Formally, we are organized as one of four departments of Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences. We occupy a unique position as an interdisciplinary natural/social sciences department. While we are the only department at Utrecht University that solely focuses on sustainability research, it is a key topic for Utrecht University in general. Notably, the Strategic Theme Pathways to Sustainability strengthens our collaboration with many other groups across the university. We also actively contribute to the Strategic Theme Institutions for Open Societies, bringing in our research on the role of institutions and institutional change in understanding transformations to sustainability. We were formed in 2003 as the Department of Innovation, Environmental and Energy Sciences (IMEW), bringing together the Environmental Governance, Environmental Sciences and Innovation Studies sections. In 2012, the Science, Technology and Society section joined us from the Faculty of Science, forming what is now known as the Energy & Resources section. In 2021 the Urban Futures Studio became our fifth research section. This position will be part of the Energy & Resources section.
For more information about this position, please contact Dr Ir. Ioannis Lampropoulos [email protected]
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.
As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.
Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.
To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.
