Postdoc position on Energy Flexibility Services for Sustainable Data Centers

Job description

The Computer Architecture for Embedded Systems CAES and Design and Analysis of Communication Systems DACS groups of the University of Twente have vacancies for two PhD (fully-funded, 4 years) and one postdoc (3 years) related to the use of energy flexibility of data centers.

According to a recent report by the European Union), data centers in the EU accounted for an estimated 1.8–2.6% of total EU electricity use in 2022 while in the Netherlands this fraction is around 5%. These data centers are essential in the operation of digital services, and by that there is a growing need for improving their sustainability. Unfortunately, the energy systems of new data centers, industry and renewable energy generation cannot always be integrated due to a lack of grid capacity within the Netherlands. Furthermore, as the current growth of data centers increases this capacity problem further, this research project will work on mitigating this problem and develop solutions that allow datacenters to be better integrated in the electricity systems to make a positive contribution to addressing capacity issues and efficient use of renewable energy by shifting their demands in time and space using efficient orchestration algorithms.

Project Description:

The research is part of the MISD project and the candidates will become a part of a multidisciplinary team on energy management that consists of researchers from several research groups. The aim is to develop and integrate methods that support the integration of data centers in the energy grid by unlocking and using the flexibility in the operation of data centers to mitigate grid congestion and shift peak demands in space and time, e.g., to times of availability of renewable energy.

The focus of this Post-doc position is as follows: the researcher (with a PhD researcher in the project) develops a methodology that allows task scheduling capabilities of the data center to be used for creating energy flexibility. The researchers will develop analytical models, simulation models, interfaces, and adapt and integrate continuum orchestration algorithms (e.g., smartly using edge computing resources and telco-edges) developed within the project. The researcher will directly work with dr. Suzan Bayhan and dr.ir. Marco Gerards.

Altogether, the post-doc and PhD researchers collaborate on common tasks and integrate and evaluate their work with research by other researchers within the MISD project.

Expected starting date: August 2024

Tentative first interview date: 13 May or 15 May 2024. The 1st (online) meeting serves as an introduction, where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Tentative 2nd interview date: June 2024. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills, and your talents.

Your profile

We are looking for highly motivated researchers with the following profile:

• You have an MSc and PhD degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Sustainable Energy or in a related field,
• You have a good team spirit and like to work in a multidisciplinary, internationally oriented environment,
• You are familiar with analytical modeling, machine learning, optimization approaches, or are willing to develop skills in (some of) these areas,
• An understanding of computing and communication networks (e.g., edge/cloud computing) is a plus,
• You are eager to take responsibility also with supervision, project management, and organizational activities,
• You are proficient in English and able to collaborate intensively with industrial and academic parties in regular meetings and work visits.

Our offer

• You will be appointed for a period of 3 years full-time within a very stimulating scientific environment. The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
• Gross salary between € 3877.,- and € 5090,- per month depending on experience and qualifications.
• Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, a year-end bonus of 8.3% and a solid pension scheme;
• The flexibility to work (partially) from home.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus.
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Excellent support for research and facilities for professional and personal development.
• We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other university staff.
• We are also a family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid) and career support for partners.

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before April 27 and include:

• A motivation letter (max 1 page) emphasizing your specific interest and motivation to apply for this post-doc position. Please indicate also when you can start the position at the earliest.
• A full CV including your publications, awards, and working experience. Your CV should demonstrate the scope of your work and education and indicate a good fit with the stated requirements for the position.
• 1-page description of your PhD thesis and top-3 publications related to this vacancy and how they are related.
• References (contact information) of two scientific staff members who are willing to provide a recommendation letter at our request.

For more information regarding these positions, you are welcome to contact Suzan Bayhan (s.bayhan@utwente.nl).

About the department

Please visit our websites for more information about the research groups CAES and DACS

About the organisation

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.