[agents] job opening for PhD student in Computer Science on intersection of game theory, planning under uncertainty, and smart grids

[Mathijs de Weerdt]

Dear colleagues,

Please forward the following to potentially interested students.

Thank you very much and best regards,
 Mathijs de Weerdt

===

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

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

The research will be performed in the Algorithmics research group of
the Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer
Science. The daily supervisors are Mathijs de Weerdt and Laurens de
Vries, and the promotor is Prof. Cees Witteveen. This position is funded
by the NWO/STW programme on Uncertainty Reduction in Smart Energy
Systems and part of a project with another PhD student and a post-doctoral researcher.

=== PhD project description ===

Project title: Gaming beyond the copper plate:
Scheduling flexible consumption and decentralised generation within
distribution constraints 

As the share of renewable energy sources increases, electricity prices
and thus consumption will become more weather-dependent.  Current
markets and regulations assume the network to be like a copper plate,
obliging network operators to facilitate any market transaction at any
cost.

The topic for this opening is mechanism design for decision making in smart 
grids. Your task will be to develop a novel approach to congestion management 
which relies on the development of algorithms that can efficiently schedule 
flexible loads of multiple customers within the capacity constraints of the 
local energy networks. Additionally, you will work on designing rules for a 
game that customers can play to stimulate the communication of their planned 
usage and flexibility in shifting loads. 

The particular topic for this opening is mechanism design for
decision making in smart grids.

=== 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.

Having some background in game theory and/or algorithm design 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 
Duration: 4 years
Salary: EUR 2062 to EUR 2638 per month gross

Proposed starting date is August 1st 2014. Please apply by June 1st 2014.

=== 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 fill out the form located at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1K-hHWXFVMDcxI6VlHnUPzJiqerXIWy8OIzf-kEcVIRI/viewform

=== Additional information ===

More information can be obtained from: 
http://www.alg.ewi.tudelft.nl/projects/gcp-gaming-beyond-the-copper-plate/
or by contacting Dr. Mathijs de Weerdt, tel: +31 (015) 27 84516, 
email: M.M.deWeerdt at tudelft.nl