The TUM ENERGISE Center is a partnership between the Technical University of Munich and four
South African universities: the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Johannesburg,
Tshwane University of Technology, and the University of Venda. It promotes interdisciplinary
research combining engineering, entrepreneurship, and policy to advance a just energy transition in
South Africa. The Center is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the
German Federal Foreign Office (Line A), and the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and
Space (Line B).
This call invites highly qualified and motivated candidates to apply for a doctoral scholarship in
“Reliability-Aware Operation of Renewable Mini-Grids.” The doctoral research will develop
reliability-aware control and planning methods to enhance asset lifetime, strengthen mini-grid
resilience, and reduce operational and actuarial risks. The selected scholar will be supervised at
the TUM Chair of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Systems, led by Prof. Dr. Thomas
Hamacher, and co-supervised by an academic from an ENERGISE partner university.
The ENERGISE doctoral scholarship includes a monthly stipend of EUR 1300, research
mobility of EUR 2000 and stay between South Africa and Germany, and insurance support.
The scholarship program runs for 3 years, from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2029. ENERGISE
doctoral scholars are expected to:
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to the work as a doctoral student.
- Participate and contribute to the activities of the TUM ENERGISE Center
- Engage in academic exchange (i.e., visit and collaborate with partner universities)
- Present research at leading international conferences and publish in leading international
academic journals
Application Requirements
- Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, and related domain
- Excellent academic track record
- Extracurricular skills, social engagement, and strong motivation
- South African citizen or permanent South African resident
Qualified women and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply. Based on the
applications, some candidates will be invited to a task assignment in Microgrid controls and
optimization. The final candidates will be invited for an online interview with Prof. Dr. Thomas
Hamacher and his team. The Selection Commission of the TUM ENERGISE Center will make the
final decision in line with DAAD criteria.
To apply, please upload your CV, a strong letter of motivation highlighting the fit to the TUM
ENERGISE Center, and certificates, including the transcript of records through the online form:
https://forms.gle/fRwxEQ1eSETBwXQB6 by 31 August 2026.
Contact
If you have any questions regarding the announcement of this doctoral scholarship feel free to
contact Dr. Ing. Prashant Pant (Email: prashant.pant@tum.de).
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