Doctoral Researcher in Power System Dynamics

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 16 000 students and 5 200 employees, including 446 professors. Our campus is in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland.  Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

We are seeking a doctoral researcher to join the Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation at Aalto University, Finland.

You will work in the Research Group of Power Transmission Systems on a research project investigating interactions between the power grid and turbine-generators, with Olkiluoto 3 nuclear power plant as the main case study.  Olkiluoto 3 is one of the largest nuclear power units in the world. The goal is to improve the understanding, monitoring and mitigation of subsynchronous resonance and oscillations caused by grid disturbances.  You will work in collaboration with companies, such as TVO and Fingrid.

Research focus

• Monitoring and data analysis: Apply and develop methods to estimate torsional oscillation frequencies, damping and amplitudes from phasor measurement unit (PMU) data. Analyse long-term measurements to identify how these properties depend on grid operating conditions.
• Modelling and mitigation: Develop and validate simulation models of grid–generator interactions, particularly in power systems with a high share of power converters. Assess oscillation and resonance risks associated with converter interactions and forced oscillations from large loads, such as data centres. Evaluate strategies to prevent or damp harmful oscillations.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in electrical power engineering or a related field
• Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a research team

If you are chosen for this position, you will apply for the study right in doctoral studies at Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering. Thus, please see the student information and admission criteria at https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-options/aalto-doctoral-programme-in-electrical-engineering.

Desired background

We are especially looking for candidates with a strong background in one or more of the following areas:

• Experience with power system simulation tools, especially dynamic simulations
• Experience with signal processing, time series analysis or machine learning
• Programming skills in MATLAB and/or Python

What we offer

• The position is fixed term and follows Aalto's standard 2+2 model. It will be made initially for two years, with a six-month probationary period, and extended by two further years after a successful mid-term review, giving a total duration of four years.
• The position starts in January 2027 or as mutually agreed
• The salary is determined according to the salary system of Finnish universities. The starting salary for a doctoral researcher is 3143 €/month.
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and tools.
• An opportunity to combine academic research and industrial perspective.
• A stimulating international research environment.

Ready to apply?

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. To access the recruitment system, please use the “Apply now!” link below. Please apply at the latest by October 18, 2026 at 23:59 EEST.

To apply, please share the following application materials in English and in pdf-format with us:

• Motivation letter
• CV including information of at least two referees.
• Copy of your academic transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

Please note: Aalto University’s employees should apply for the position via our internal HR system Workday (Internal Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions). If you are a student or visitor at Aalto University, please apply with your personal email address (not aalto.fi) via Aalto University open positions.

If you wish to hear more about the position, you can reach out to Assistant Professor Janne Seppänen (janne.seppanen@aalto.fi).  For questions related to the application process, please contact HR Advisor Johanna Haapalainen (hr-elec@aalto.fi).

Want to know more about us and your future colleagues? You can watch these videos:  

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About Finland 

Finland is a great place for living with or without family – it is a safe, politically stable and well-organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was listed again as the happiest country in the world: World Happiness Report 

For more information about living in Finland: Aalto Careers for International Staff. 

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