As part of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) Collaborative Doctoral Partnership between the Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) and the JRC, this PhD position aims to develop a comprehensive approach to knowledge engineering for Electricity risk preparedness and exercises for resilience with the JRC in Ispra, Italy. More information at CDP programme for PhD candidates – Joint Research Centre.
The aim of the project is to develop a comprehensive framework for resilience assessment in the electricity sector, combining system modelling, vulnerability analysis, and scenario-based stress testing. The methodological approach includes, but not limited to, quantitative modelling of energy systems under normal and disturbed conditions, development of resilience metrics across a range of disruption scenarios, simulation of the power system behaviour and recovery using time-series optimization. The outcomes of the research will include resilience enhancing strategies such as redundancy, storage, and demand-side flexibility.
The project aligns with shared strategic priorities of KTU and JRC to contribute to a more secure, sustainable, and resilient European energy system.
The doctoral researcher will be enrolled at the Kaunas University of Technology for the standard 4-year PhD duration and will spend designated periods at the KTU campus in Kaunas Lithuania and the JRC site in Ispra, Italy.
The research plan includes scientific literature review on energy system resilience assessment, development of methodology, data analysis and computational experiments based on energy system behaviour and resilience enhancement methods. Research will focus also on network analysis methods, possibly applying graph flow approaches and computational methods that emulate the energy system. Additionally, uncertainty and sensitivity methods will be studied and applied to realistic energy systems.
Two positions are available, each within a separate research project, as described here:
Project 25-18. The project is linked to research on energy systems and energy networks. The doctoral researcher will spend the first 12 months at KTU, followed by 24 months at the JRC, Ispra (Italy), and the final 12 months at KTU.
Project 25-35. The project is linked to specifically electricity systems’ resilience and security of supply. The doctoral researcher will spend first 24 months at KTU and the last 24 months at the JRC, Ispra (Italy). The stay at the JRC can start from the 4th to the 7th semester and end before the end of the doctoral studies.
The following members of the Advisory Committee will be responsible for shaping the research agenda and providing strategic guidance to the candidate:
A doctoral student will be assessed at the academic department of KTU and the doctoral committee at the end of the autumn and spring semesters of each academic year.
The dissertation will be publicly defended, and the doctoral degree will be awarded at KTU in the open meeting of the Study Board according to Regulation on Research Doctoral Studies of the Institutions of Joint Doctoral Studies.
The candidate should hold a master’s degree in engineering and demonstrate strong academic knowledge and hands-on experience (e.g., thesis work or other significant projects) in:
Candidates should, prior to the start of the employment contract with the JRC:
The selected candidate will have no more than 6 months from the request for confirmation of interest in the position, to produce proof of enrolment in the doctoral study program.
Applicants seeking admission as doctoral candidates must submit their application to audrius.jonaitis@ktu.lt by the deadline April 30, 2026.
Applications should include:
Please submit your application as a single PDF.
Phase 1 (KTU): Screening for eligibility and first-round interviews.
Phase 2 (JRC): Shortlisted candidates invited for final interviews with a JRC panel.
During their 24-month stay at the JRC, the PhD candidate will be employed at JRC Grantholder Category 20, following the Grantholder Rules. The position includes the annual gross salary applicable to Grantholders Category 20; it is approximately 45000 EUR and is subject to taxes and social security deductions according to national law.
For additional information, please contact prof. dr. Audrius Jonaitis, email audrius.jonaitis@ktu.lt
