Research Assistant (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H, Institute for System Analytics and Control – Automation[...]

The University of Kassel is a modern, growing university with roughly 21,000 students. The Department of Electrical Engineering / Computer Science hosts the Institute for System Analytics and Control – Automation and Sensorics in Networked Systems Group led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian A. Hans.

Research Assistant (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H, fixed‑term position (three years, full‑time, 40 hours per week)

Application deadline: 02.12.2025
Target start date: 01.01.2026
Vacancy number: 38887

Overview

The position supports the research project \“Hierarchical Control of Multiscale Systems for the Case of Resilient Future Electrical Power Systems\“. Methods from automatic control, artificial intelligence, and networked systems will be applied to complex energy systems with high shares of decentralized, uncertain, and renewable generation. The goal is to develop hierarchical control approaches that ensure stable and resilient operation under varying conditions.

Tasks

• Independent research activities within the project, focusing on hierarchical and distributed control of networked dynamical systems.
• Modelling and analysis of complex nonlinear systems, especially using LPV models and abstracted state‑space representations.
• Development and implementation of MPC approaches for robust coordination of physically coupled subsystems.
• Investigation and evaluation of resilience mechanisms under uncertainty, disturbances and fault conditions, including cascading effects.
• Building and using simulation environments to validate the developed methods.
• Preparing scientific publications and presenting research results at international conferences.
• Supporting student supervision and contributing to the general academic activities of the group.

Required qualifications

• University degree (Diploma, Master) in Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Technical Cybernetics, Applied Mathematics, or a comparable field, completed before employment starts.
• Very good knowledge of systems theory and automatic control, especially optimization‑based, hierarchical, and distributed control approaches.
• Strong interest in both theoretical development and practical implementation of modern control methods.
• Independent, structured, and team‑oriented working style.
• High motivation and ability for interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Very good verbal and written communication skills in English.

Further desirable qualifications

• Knowledge of model identification and model reduction.
• Experience with modelling and control of networked or physically coupled nonlinear systems.
• Knowledge in the field of robust control.
• Background in energy systems with a high share of renewable generation.
• Experience with development and simulation environments (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, Julia, Python).
• Strong organizational skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in German, or willingness to acquire them.

Our Offer

• An interesting and diverse range of tasks within a modern and ambitious university environment.
• Part of an interdisciplinary team with a collegial working atmosphere.
• Opportunities for professional and interdisciplinary further education measures.
• Free of charge public transport connections to the workplace.
• Additional company pension (VBL).
• Optional child supplement in accordance with TV-Hessen.
• Annual bonus.
• Access to capital‑accumulation benefits.
• Promotion of voluntary commitment.
• Low‑cost participation in university sports and a full range of fitness activities as part of Unifit, including workplace health management.

For further information and application details, please contact Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian A. Hans, Tel.: +49 561 804-6112.

In the event of any differences between the German and English versions, the German wording is legally binding.

Equal Opportunity Statement:
We promote equal opportunities and strive to offer everyone the same chances for development. Women and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. Full‑time positions are generally divisible.

To apply, submit your application through the university’s online form, referencing the vacancy number. Email communications to bewerbungen[at]uni-kassel.de should also reference the vacancy number. All documents will be destroyed after the selection process in compliance with data protection regulations.