PhD Position – Optimization of Electric Vehicle Charging and Vehicle-to-Grid Strategies

At the Institute of Energy Technologies – Fundamentals of Electrochemistry (IET-1), we conduct research on highly topical issues relating to the energy transition and structural change. For example, we are working on the battery of the future and researching novel battery concepts. Another exciting project we are working on is how to turn the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO₂) from a climate killer into a raw material of the future. The aim of our research and development work is to develop cost-effective batteries, fuel cells and electrolysers with improved energy and power density, longer service life and maximum safety! Hydrogen production based on renewable energy sources using high- and low-temperature electrolysis is becoming increasingly important for us. Find out more about our mission and forward-looking projects here: https://go.fzj.de/iet-1

Your Job

You will develop and evaluate model-based charging and vehicle-to-grid strategies for electric vehicles. Your work will combine battery and battery ageing models with real-world mobility profiles, electricity prices, photovoltaic generation and grid requirements. The aim is to identify charging strategies that balance battery lifetime, energy costs, CO₂ emissions, grid services and user needs.

Your responsibilities will include:

Formulating objective functions and technical constraints for the optimisation of V1G and V2G charging strategies
Integrating electrochemical battery models and battery ageing models into an optimisation framework
Processing and integrating real-world driving, charging, vehicle-availability, household-load and photovoltaic-generation profiles
Developing and applying optimisation methods, such as model predictive control, multi-objective optimisation and, where appropriate, reinforcement learning
Investigating suitable model-reduction and approximation approaches for computationally efficient optimisation
Analysing uncertainties in user behaviour and external boundary conditions
Comparing V1G and V2G strategies with regard to battery ageing, electricity costs, CO₂ emissions, grid impact and user requirements
Documenting and publishing the scientific results and presenting them at project meetings and conferences
Collaborating closely with researchers working on battery modelling, ageing diagnostics and energy-system analysis

Your Profile

A university Master’s degree in electrical engineering, control engineering, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, computational engineering or a related discipline
Sound knowledge of mathematical optimisation, control engineering or energy-management methods
Experience in numerical modelling and scientific programming in MATLAB
Basic understanding of battery systems, electric vehicles, energy systems or power grids
Experience with model predictive control, multi-objective optimisation, reinforcement learning or uncertainty analysis is advantageous
Experience in processing and analysing time-series data
A structured, independent and solution-oriented approach to scientific work
Strong analytical skills and an interest in interdisciplinary research
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and international project environment
Very good command of written and spoken English with extensive vocabulary is required (at least B2 level according to the ), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level. Knowledge of the German language is not mandatory but certainly appreciated

Our Benefits for You

Team & Environment: You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary focus – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe
Research & Infrastructure: You will have access to excellent scientific and technical facilities for your work
Networking & Exchange: You will participate in (international) conferences and project meetings and actively build your scientific network
Work-life balance: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
Annual Leave: You get 30 days of annual leave
Knowledge & Development: Your professional development is important to us – we support you specifically and individually e.g., through training and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral candidates and with continuous, expert guidance from your academic supervisor
Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive company health management programme with a wide range of options, including a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counselling team are available to assist you on site
Fair remuneration: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund. In addition to the basic salary, there is an additional year-end bonus under the collective pay agreement amounting to 75% of a monthly salary, as well as capital-forming benefits. All information about the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the (pay scale table on page 66 ff. of the PDF download)
Fixed-term: The position is limited to 3 years
Support for international employees: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more:

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: and on specific support options for women:

Place of Employment: Jülich

**Start Date:**To the next possible date

Salary: Pay group 13 (75%) TVöD-Bund

Application Deadline: 2026-08-31

Index number: 2026D-0656