Advancing Autonomous Energy Networks in the North: Research and Development of Technologies for Extreme Cold Environments
Last updated: July 8, 2026, 4:16 p.m.
Supervisory details
Supervisor: Karim Zaghib
Department: Chemical and Materials Engineering, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science
University: Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
Start date: Fall 2026
PhD fellowship: 35K CAD per year for 4 years
Project overview
Northern Quebec communities continue to rely on diesel-based electricity, leading to high costs, greenhouse gas emissions, and limited energy independence. This research project aims to develop intelligent, cold-climate energy solutions by integrating advanced lithium-ion batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, renewable energy sources, and autonomous Energy Management Systems (EMS) for hybrid microgrids. The successful candidate will contribute to the design of intelligent energy management and battery management technologies that improve system reliability, efficiency, and resilience under Arctic conditions, supporting sustainable and energy-sovereign solutions for northern and Indigenous communities.
Role description
Conduct research on intelligent Energy Management Systems (EMS) for autonomous hybrid microgrids operating in cold-climate environments.
Design, develop, and optimize advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS/BMU) for lithium-ion battery technologies under extreme low-temperature conditions.
Develop intelligent energy management algorithms for optimal coordination of battery storage, hydrogen fuel cells, solar PV, wind generation, and diesel backup systems.
Design predictive control, optimization, and machine learning models to improve energy efficiency, reliability, and resilience of hybrid energy networks.
Develop advanced battery state estimation algorithms, including State of Charge (SOC), State of Health (SOH), and Remaining Useful Life (RUL), accounting for nonlinear battery behavior in cold climates.
Develop software and hardware prototypes of EMS and BMS architectures and validate their performance under simulated Arctic operating conditions.
Analyze operational data to improve system performance, optimize charging and discharging strategies, and minimize energy losses.
Support the development and validation of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technologies, including bidirectional charging and vehicle-grid integration.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary researchers in battery materials, hydrogen technologies, power electronics, renewable energy systems, and Indigenous energy initiatives.
Publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present results at leading international conferences.
Contribute to the development of next-generation autonomous energy systems that improve energy security, sustainability, and resilience for northern and Indigenous communities.
Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, Control Systems, Power Systems, or a closely related discipline.
Strong background in Energy Management Systems (EMS), Battery Management Systems (BMS), renewable energy systems, microgrids, or battery energy storage systems.
Experience developing optimization, control, or predictive algorithms for complex energy systems.
Proficiency in programming using Python, MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++, or similar scientific computing environments.
Knowledge of battery modeling, lithium-ion batteries, state estimation (SOC/SOH), electrochemical energy storage, or battery diagnostics.
Experience with machine learning, artificial intelligence, optimization methods, or model predictive control is considered an asset.
Familiarity with renewable energy integration, hydrogen energy systems, power electronics, or smart grid technologies is considered an asset.
Experience with real-time simulation, embedded systems, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), or digital twins is considered an asset.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and research skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated interest in publishing high-quality scientific research.
Interest in sustainable energy systems, cold-climate technologies, and the development of resilient energy solutions for remote and Indigenous communities.
Fully funded PhD (tuition coverage + competitive stipend)
Opportunity to develop next-generation Energy Management Systems (EMS) and Battery Management Systems (BMS) for hybrid renewable microgrids
Hands-on experience with advanced battery technologies, hydrogen energy systems, and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) applications
Research on real-world energy challenges for northern and Indigenous communities, supporting energy resilience and decarbonisation
Collaboration with leading researchers and industry partners on innovative energy storage and microgrid technologies
Support for publications, international conferences, and research dissemination
Access to Volt-Age training in leadership, communication, and applied research
Please send the following documents in a single PDF file to volt-age.recruitment@concordia.ca:
Letter of intent clearly aligned with the professor’s research domain
(You may also review their recent publications and highlight relevant experience.)
Academic CV Unofficial transcripts with CGPA and course names
Names and emails of 3 referees
Publications with embedded links, if any
Any other supporting documents that strengthen your application
Subject of the email: EMS_Your name
Deadline to apply
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Questions/contact
For all questions, please contact Alisa Makusheva at alisa.makusheva@concordia.ca.
Volt-Age is funded by a $123-million grant from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund.
