The Power and Energy Analysis and Research Laboratory (PEARL) at the University of Castilla-La Mancha is seeking talented candidates for PhD positions in power and energy systems research, starting in the first quarter of 2026. These fully funded positions have durations of 3 to 4 years.
PEARL (https://pearl.uclm.es/) is located at the Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Industrial de Ciudad Real, University of Castilla-La Mancha (https://www.uclm.es/?sc_lang=en), Campus de Ciudad Real, Spain. The group is actively involved in national and European research projects in areas such as power system operation and planning, electricity markets, smart energy communities, and the integration of renewable energy, electric vehicles, and hydrogen.
Research Topics
PhD positions are available in the following research areas:
- Coordinated Operation of Power, Hydrogen, and Transportation Systems.
- Optimal Design and Operation of Renewable Energy Communities.
Candidate Profile
Successful candidates are expected to have:
- A master’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field.
- Knowledge of the operation, planning, and economics of power and energy systems.
- Strong skills in mathematical programming, optimization theory, and machine learning.
- Ability to work effectively with data and applied statistics.
- Solid programming skills in GAMS, Python, MATLAB, Julia, or similar languages.
- Fluency in communicating and reporting in English.
Opportunities and benefits
- Engage in cutting-edge research, collaborate with international partners, and contribute to projects with real-world impact.
- Attend international conferences worldwide and undertake short-term stays abroad.
- Salary includes healthcare and social security coverage.
- Ciudad Real is an affordable city compared to larger cities like Madrid and is well connected to Madrid by train (approximately 200 km / 55 minutes).
How to apply
Applicants should submit a single PDF file containing the following materials:
- Cover letter (max. 1 page) stating your preferred research topic(s) in order of interest.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Academic record of both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, including courses and grades.
- Contact details of at least two references.
Applications should be sent before December 19, 2025, to pearl.group.uclm@gmail.com, with your full name in the subject line. All qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion, or ethnic background, are encouraged to apply.
For further information on the positions or application procedure, inquiries can also be sent to pearl.group.uclm@gmail.com.
