[agents] Job opening: 4-year PhD position in Computer Science at Delft University of Technology

[Matthijs Spaan]

Delft University of Technology offers a PhD position on the
intersection of
* mechanism design,
* planning under uncertainty and
* smart grids.

This position is part of the PowerWeb project and will be performed in
the Algorithmics research group at the Faculty Electrical Engineering,
Mathematics and Computer Science. The daily supervisors are
Dr. Mathijs de Weerdt and Dr. Matthijs Spaan, and the promotor is
Prof. Dr. Cees Witteveen. The research will be developed in close
cooperation with Alliander, a large Distribution Grid Operator in the
Netherlands.

=== PhD project description ===

Topic: Dynamic Capacity Control and Balancing in the Medium Voltage Grid

As the number and volume of distributed and renewable generation
increases, the demand on the medium-voltage (MV) level of the power
grid increases as well, in some cases above current capacity.  In this
project, we study how large consumers can be involved in maintaining a
power balance and/or staying within the network capacity.  We address
this problem using mechanism design to deal with incentives in the
context of fast dynamics and uncertainty in electricity networks, and
combine this with existing work on planning and control algorithms.

=== Responsibilities ===

As a PhD student your tasks concern the following activities:
* perform scientific research;
* implement and evaluate research prototypes;
* present results on international conferences;
* publish results in scientific journals;
* participate in activities of the research groups.

=== Requirements ===

We are looking for excellent candidates who meet the following requirements:
* a MSc degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, 
Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field;
* good programming skills;
* good speaking and writing skills in English and preferably Dutch.

Having some background in game theory and/or planning algorithms is a plus.

=== Conditions of employment ===

TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible
work week, free high-speed Internet access from home (with a contract
of two years or longer), and the option of assembling a customised
compensation and benefits package. Salary and benefits are in
accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch
Universities.

Working hours: 38 hours per week
Contract: 4 years
Salary: EUR 2062 to EUR 2638 per month gross

Proposed starting date is October 1 2013. Please apply by August 2 2013.

=== Application ===

The application should consist of the following parts:
* an explanation of your interest in the proposed research field;
* a Curriculum Vitae;
* copies of diplomas and other relevant certificates;
* a complete list of attended courses and corresponding grades;
* names and contact details of two referees;
* proof of language skills (if applicable).

To apply, please e-mail your application by August 2 2013 to
A.C.M. Hoek, HR-EEMCS at tudelft.nl. When applying for this position,
please refer to vacancy number EWI2013-21.

=== Additional information ===

More information can be obtained from:
http://www.alg.ewi.tudelft.nl/people/phd-students/vacancy/
or by contacting Dr. Mathijs de Weerdt, tel: +31 (015) 27 84516,
email: M.M.deWeerdt at tudelft.nl