Academic Researcher (f/m/d)

Your Tasks
Responsibilities
A major challenge of the energy transition is managing variable electricity generation from renewable energy sources and coordinating it with storage systems and flexible consumers. The bundling of flexible or controllable facilities within virtual power plants, intelligent districts, or as intelligent areas is a central approach to reducing system complexity. The goal of this position is the conception, implementation, evaluation, and testing of new solutions for coordinating flexible facilities. The focus lies on the application of reinforcement learning and the consideration of stochastic influences Specifically, you will have the following responsibilities:
Researching and familiarizing yourself with the topics of smart grids and virtual power plants, as well as the current state of the art, and identifying research gaps
Designing models and algorithms, as well as programming
Implementing the solutions in computer simulations and subsequently using the Energy Lab’s actual hardware and the Campus North grid
Conducting experiments, analyzing the results, and deriving new insights
Publishing the results in academic journals and at conferences
Assistance with teaching
In addition to research activities, there is the opportunity to pursue a Ph.D.
Your Profile
A completed master’s degree in computer science, mechanical engineering, mathematics, Industrial Engineering and Management or a comparable field of study
Excellent knowledge in the fields of Machine Learning and statistics
Solid expertise in the areas of energy informatics and electrical engineering
Strong understanding of stochastic processes/probability theory
Programming experience
Excellent written and spoken English skills
Strong teamwork and communication skills, a strong willingness to learn, and a solution-oriented approach to work
We Offer
Science for Impact : Engage with topics of societal relevance — in an excellent scientific environment that enables change.
Career‑Building and Developmental Opportunities : We provide you with a structured onboarding program, a broad spectrum of continuing‑education options, and personalised support, thereby fostering your individual growth.
Flexible Working Hours : Take advantage of flexible‑hours schemes, remote‑work options, and a 30‑day annual leave entitlement to achieve an optimal work‑life balance.
Family-friendliness : The “KIT‑Family +” program assists you in reconciling work and family life by offering childcare services, holiday activities, a parent‑child office space, and assistance with caring for relatives.
Stay Healthy : Under the motto “Fit at KIT – Body, Mind and Soul,” we promote your well‑being through fitness classes and mental‑health programmes.
Individualised Extra Benefits : Enjoy a corporate pension (VBL), a €25 monthly contribution toward a JobTicket BW, plus a broad selection of cultural and recreational programmes.
Job location
Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen (and Karlsruhe)
Salary
Salary category 13 TV-L; classification is based on personal and professional qualifications.
Contract duration
3 years
Contact person in line-management
Dr. Kevin Förderer
kevin.foerderer@kit.edu
+49 721 608-22980
If you have general questions about the application process, please contact
Katja Wenz
Personalservice (PSE)
katja.wenz@kit.edu
+49 721 608-25093
At KIT we value the diversity of our employees; different perspectives and backgrounds enrich our work. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Applications from recognized severely disabled individuals are given preferential consideration when qualifications are equal.
Application up to: 2026-10-23
Job posting number: 371/2026

Work arrangement
Yes