PhD position second life of batteries for grid /support

Job Description

While the concept of reusing electric vehicle batteries for grid support is gaining traction, practical implementation remains limited by a range of unresolved challenges. Existing DC charging systems are not designed for the heterogeneous nature of second-life batteries, which differ in state of health, capacity, and interface standards. Furthermore, spatial constraints in dense urban environments, coupled with regulatory uncertainties surrounding battery transport, safety, and installation, complicate deployment. Current assessment frameworks insufficiently capture the long-term reliability, environmental trade-offs, and techno-economic feasibility of second-life battery systems in grid applications. As a result, there is a pressing need for rigorous research to develop integration strategies, modeling approaches, and regulatory frameworks that enable reliable and scalable use of second-life batteries in high-power DC charging networks.

This PhD is funded by Holland High Tech and ABB Delft.

The research in the Department of Electrical Sustainable Energy is inspired by the technical, scientific, and societal challenges originating from the transition towards a more sustainable society and focuses on four areas:

• DC Systems, Energy Conversion and Storage (DCE&S)
• Photovoltaic Materials and Devices (PVMD)
• Intelligent Electrical Power Grids (IEPG)
• High Voltage Technologies (HVT)

The department owns a large ESP Laboratory assembling High Voltage testing, DC Grids testing environment, and large RTDS that is actively used for real-time simulation of future electrical power systems, AC and DC protection and wide-area monitoring and protection. The DC Systems, Energy Conversion and Storage (DCE&S) group is responsible for research and education in the fields of DC systems, high voltage technology, energy storage, electronic power conversion (power electronics), and electromechanics. DC systems is a multidisciplinary field of research, exploring the integration of renewable energy sources and energy storage (electric vehicles) in DC networks and systems and future DC transmission grids. The group is currently active in applications such as Direct Current distribution and transmission grids and microgrids, electrification of mobility (charging of electric vehicles), and renewable generation of electrical energy (such as wind and solar energy). Would you like to know more about the ESE department and the DCE&S group? Please take a look at the webpage www.tudelft.nl/ewi/ese.

Job Requirements

Who are we looking for?

• You have a master's degree in Electrical Engineering discipline from a well-established university.
• An experience with the modeling of one or more among: Batteries, power flows in DC grids, and EV charging demand.
• A solid background in power electronics and the development of experimental setups.
• Excellent English and programming skills are a requirement. Knowledge of Dutch is an advantage.
• A combination of excellent mathematical and analytical skills.

Conditions of Employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional Information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Zian Qin, via [email protected]. For information about the selection procedure, please contact Sharmila Rattansingh, management assistant email: [email protected].

Application Procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 22 July 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter that explains your personal motivation in pursuing a PhD in general, and this topic in specific, and why you would be an excellent fit to the job requirements. Please do not use ChatGPT or other tools for providing a standard/non-personalized letter
• A list of grades of your qualifying degrees (BSc, MSc)

You can address your application to Dr. Zian Qin. Please note that applications will be assessed on a rolling basis and suitable candidates will be invited for interview, so it is recommended not to wait until the deadline with your application.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
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