Are you interested in putting science in direct benefit of society?
We are offering a full PhD fellowship to explore how AI, Mathematical Optimization, and Game Theory can be used to make modern electricity markets more efficient: saving energy costs and greenhouse emissions while keeping the lights on.
All while joining a stimulating, international, and friendly environment, at the DTU department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, section for Dynamical Systems. Furthermore, this is an Alliance PhD position, where you will have the privilege to benefit from two supervisors, from different universities: Dr. Georgios Tsaousoglou at DTU, and Dr. Maryam Kamgarpour at EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland, with the opportunity to undertake an extended research stay at EPFL.
Project, Responsibilities and qualifications
Electricity markets are undergoing a rapid transformation: Market participants are deploying AI algorithms towards making their bidding decisions. AI algorithms are instructed to find ways to increase profits, and they might do this in ways we didn’t anticipate. This project is about investigating what kind of market equilibria emerge from these multi-agent market interactions and what they mean for the system’s efficiency and safety.
You will develop models of AI bidding strategies, analyze strategic interactions using game theory, and design optimization methods to identify potential market failures and prevention mechanisms. You will be combining theoretical analysis with practical applications, involving mathematical modeling, algorithm development, and coding.
You should have some background in one or more of the following areas:
- Mathematical Optimization / Operations Research
- Reinforcement Learning, Machine Learning, and/or Multi-agent systems
- Game Theory
- Algorithms / Computer Science
- Electricity Markets or Power Systems
in addition to solid programming skills (namely Python, Julia) and excellent command of the English language.
We welcome candidates with varied experiences and educational pathways. DTU works with an inclusive mindset in recruitment. If you find the position interesting but do not think you meet all our requirements, apply anyway; you could well be the ideal candidate for us.
You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be conducted by Associate Professor Georgios Tsaousoglou and Head of Section Razgar Ebrahimy.
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.
The period of employment is 3 years. The provisioned starting date is January or February 2026 or according to mutual agreement.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Georgios Tsaousoglou ([email protected]): https://orbit.dtu.dk/en/persons/georgios-tsaousoglou.
You can read more about DTU Compute at www.compute.dtu.dk.
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 30 September 2025 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:
- A short letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.
It is possible to be flexible on the starting date towards an arrangement that accommodates your timeline.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
DTU Compute
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science – is an internationally recognised academic environment with over 400 employees and 10 research sections. We broadly cover digital technologies within mathematics, data science, computer science, and computer engineering, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, internet of things (IoT), chip design, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, social networks, fairness, and data ethics. Our research is rooted in basic research and centres on mathematical models of the physical and virtual world, as a basis for the analysis, design, and implementation of complex systems. We focus on ensuring that our research results contribute to creating a better society by supporting areas such as health, green transition, energy supply, and life science. We collaborate with universities, public and private organisations, and companies in Denmark and abroad, and through DTU’s startup ecosystem, we encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. We have a strong ethical, human, and sustainable approach that ensures integrity in our work. Therefore, we strive for and take responsibility for driving the democratisation of digital technologies, so that everyone has the opportunity to actively participate in the development, and we ensure a continued open, democratic, and inclusive society for the benefit of all. At DTU Compute, we value diversity, inclusion, and a flexible work-life balance. Read more about us at www.compute.dtu.dk.
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.
