Fully-funded Industrial PhD Position in Data-Driven Simulations

The project will focus on developing data-driven components to be used in simulation models development at Danfoss Drives. There are several simulation models in development at Danfoss Drives with various target fidelity and usage. As with all physics-based simulation models, the fidelity of the models is directly proportional to the computational resources needed to run the simulation.

To have a commercially successful product, our simulation models need to be as low resource as possible while retaining their high fidelity. In many cases, the long-term aim is to develop real-time simulation models and use these as proper digital twins. To have a digital twin in the truest sense, the models need to run in parallel with the physical hardware and hence need to be in real-time. While this is feasible already if we consider only a restricted model, it is not feasible to run high-fidelity factory scale models with traditional techniques.

To this end, this project aims to: 1) develop methods for detecting bottlenecks or points that slow down simulations for a given model, and 2) investigate and develop data-driven simulation components as surrogate simulation models to use alongside traditional simulation components in models developed at Danfoss Drives.

The aim is to lower the computational resources needed to run the models. Such surrogate models are an active area of research and will have direct commercial applications for Danfoss Drives.

We offer
A rewarding and challenging position in a company with an ambition to reach excellence in cooperation with people who bring in new ideas and perspectives. The candidate will be employed by Danfoss Drives and will at the same time be enrolled as a PhD candidate at KIT.

The Institute of Applied Informatics and Formal Description Methods (AIFB) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology is a distinguished research hub, globally recognized for its progressive work in bridging theoretical computer science and its practical applications. Since its inception in 1984, the institute has played a pivotal role in the domains of Knowledge Management, Service Science, Web Science, and Business Information Systems.

The position is a 3-year Industrial PhD project. The project is funded by Innovation Fund Denmark. The salary will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

A successful applicant should have:

• MSc degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Informatics or equivalent
• Experience with programming languages (e.g., C++, Python, etc.)
• Experience with modeling, simulation and data analytics
• Experience with Machine Learning 
• Experience with system dynamics and physics-based models is a great asset
• Genuine interest in doing research and learning new concepts
• Comfortable learning new programming languages if needed
• Strong communication skills
• Comfortable working both independently and within a team
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written

Please submit your application no later than March 15, 2024.

The application must be in English and must include:

• Application stating position(s) and reasons for applying. Elaborate how your experience and background fit the corresponding position(s).
• A research proposal/description of your approach to the above project (max one page, excluding references)
• Curriculum Vitae, containing names of two references
• Certificates/Diplomas (MSc) – English transcripts
• An official document describing the educational structure and the grading scheme of the awarding universities
• Copy of your Master's thesis (draft is ok)
• Examples of the most relevant publications (if available) and the applicant’s master thesis
   

Further information may be obtained from KIT’s Professor Sanja Lazarova-Molnar (lazarova-molnar@kit.edu) or Danfoss Drives Research Manager Christian Uldal Graulund (christian.graulund@danfoss.com) Please use the subject line “PhD Application Danfoss” for all contact.

We are excited to offer you the following benefits with your employment:

• Bonus system
• Paid vacation
• Flexible working hours
• Possibility to work remotely
• Pension plan
• Personal insurance
• Communication package
• Opportunity to join Employee Resource Groups
• State of the art virtual work environment
• Employee Referral Program

This list does not promise or guarantee any particular benefit or specific action. They may depend on country or contract specifics and are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

 At Danfoss, we are engineering solutions that allow the world to use resources in smarter ways - driving the sustainable transformation of tomorrow. No transformation has ever been started without a group of passionate,

dedicated and empowered people. We believe that innovation and great results are driven by the right mix of people with diverse backgrounds, personalities, skills, and perspectives, reflecting the world in which we do business. To make sure the mix of people works, we strive to create an inclusive work environment where people of all backgrounds are treated equally, respected, and valued for who they are. It is a strong priority within Danfoss to improve the health, working environment and safety of our employees.

Following our founder’s mindset “action speaks louder than words”, we set ourselves ambitious targets to protect the environment by embarking on a plan to become CO2 neutral latest by 2030.

Danfoss is an EO employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category.