Project Chief Researcher acting in Green Energy Research Group

Position Description

The SustAInLivWork Centre of Excellence is seeking a highly skilled Project Chief Researcher, acting in Green Energy Research Group, to join the AI Research Hub. The Project Chief Researcher, acting in Green Energy Group, will contribute to high-impact research, AI system development, methodological innovation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration mainly in green energy related theme. The role requires strong hands-on technical expertise in modern AI for energy systems, including machine learning, deep learning, expert systems, data-driven optimisation, energy demand forecasting, anomaly detection, and intelligent control systems.

The project SustAInLivWork is co-funded under the European Union's Horizon Europe programme under Grant Agreement No. 101059903 and under the European Union Funds’ Investments 2021-2027 (project No. 10-042-P-0001).

Reports to: Project expert acting as Head of the AI Research HUB of SustAInLivWork Centre of Excellence (CoE)

Type of Contract: Project-based contract until 31-08-2029, part-time employment (10 hours / week)

Remuneration package: 40,03 Eur Gross income (in Lithuanian, BRUTO) is the amount of salary or wages paid to an individual by an employer before any deductions are taken.

Location: SustAInLivWork Centre of Excellence (CoE) (Artificial Intelligence Excellence Centre at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU)), Kaunas, Lithuania.

The role requires on-site presence at KTU, with the possibility of partial remote work.

Application Start Date: 02 September 2026.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

Project Chief Researcher acting in Green Energy Research Group will:

• Provide scientific leadership in AI for green energy systems, including smart grids, renewable energy integration, and energy efficiency.
• Initiate and lead research development and innovation (R&D&I) projects, including green energy driven projects, Horizon Europe projects, and other national and international programmes.
• Design and implement AI-driven solutions supporting the green transition, including decarbonization, energy efficiency, and integration of renewable energy sources.
• Lead interdisciplinary collaboration between AI experts, energy engineers, and domain specialists in energy and sustainability.
• Establish and strengthen collaborations with energy providers, grid operators, industry partners, public authorities, and international research institutions.
• Ensure high-quality scientific output, including Q1 publications, datasets, open-source tools, and other research outputs.
• Supervise PhD students and mentor early-career researchers.
• Contribute to the preparation of proposals and the coordination of international research consortia.
• Support the development of scalable, trustworthy, and sustainable AI solutions aligned with European energy and climate goals.

Requirement for the Candidate

Applicants Should Meet The Following Requirements

• The candidate must have required competencies of leading researcher career stage set out in the Description of Mandatory Competencies for the Career Stages of Researchers in Research and Academic Institutions (possession of, or a desire to develop the preferred competencies is an advantage).
• The candidate who has the competencies set out for a leading researcher must meet the following requirements:
• Published at least 15 international-level scientific papers (this minimum number of scientific papers can be reduced by a maximum of 3 scientific papers by making them equivalent to scientific monographs or parts thereof published by internationally recognised scientific publishers), of which at least 5 have been published in the last 5 years.
• Announced the research results in at least 10 international and/or national scientific conference presentations or plenary lectures.
• Managed R&D works or projects funded by external sources.
• Participated in doctoral studies as a supervisor of a doctoral student or supervised postdoctoral fellowships.
• Carried out activities in at least three of the following ways: produced publications of scientific resources, scientifically structured data sets, publications for studies, coordinated study modules or participated in the study process (gave lectures, supervised final degree projects of first or second cycle students), produced or compiled peer-reviewed scientific publications, produced policy briefs, submitted patent applications to major international patent offices, produced examinations, reviews and overviews of research or study activities, produced papers of representative co-authorship, organised scientific or study events, participated in the editorial boards of scientific journals, participated in activities for science or study promotion, gave public lectures, participated/participates in the work of study or research committees (except for doctoral studies), commissions or working groups, participated/participates in the activities of expert scientific or study organisations.
• A PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (T001), Energetics and Power Engineering (T006), or a closely related field.
• A proven scientific track record, including at least five peer-reviewed publications, preferably in Q1 or Q2 journals, in AI for energy systems, smart grids, renewable energy, energy optimisation, or related domains.
• At least three years of proven experience in national and international R&I projects in intelligent energy systems, smart grids, renewable energy integration, or energy infrastructure (e.g. energy forecasting, load optimisation, grid stability, and energy management systems).
• Experience in applying AI methods, expert systems, or data-driven optimisation in energy contexts, including energy demand forecasting, generation optimisation, grid management, anomaly detection, and intelligent control systems.
• A minimum of one year’s experience in supervising R&D&I projects or research teams in AI, energy systems, or related domains.
• A strong understanding of real-world energy systems, including multimodal data (e.g. sensor, grid, consumption, and environmental data), system integration, and regulatory and sustainability constraints.
• A strong understanding of sustainability principles and green transition goals, including energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and the integration of renewable energy sources.
• Experience of collaboration with industry or public sector stakeholders (e.g. energy providers, grid operators, and policy institutions) would be considered an advantage.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
• Proficiency in English (C1); Lithuanian language proficiency (C1).

Benefits

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
• Flexible working hours.
• Social guarantees (vacation, sick leave, and parental leave) and additional social benefits.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources.
• Leadership role in a Centre, shaping the future of AI in green energy, smart grids, and sustainable systems.
• Opportunity to lead high-impact international R&I projects (e.g. Horizon Europe, Digital Europe).
• Access to cutting-edge research infrastructure, including HPC resources, energy data platforms, smart grid technologies, advanced IoT systems, AI testbeds, and experimental platforms for large-scale testing, simulation, and real-world deployment.
• Strong collaboration ecosystem with energy stakeholders, including energy providers, grid operators, industry partners, and public authorities.
• Support for building and leading your own research team, including PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and interdisciplinary experts.
• Dedicated support for grant development and project management.
• Opportunity to contribute to sustainable and climate-neutral solutions, aligned with EU climate goals and long-term societal impact.

Method of Applications’ Submission and Closing Date for Applications

• Please submit all the required documents via KTU Career website https://karjera.ktu.edu/en-GB or by email [email protected].
• Applications must be submitted by 16 September 2026 (inclusive).

The List Of Documents That Each Applicant Must Submit

• Curriculum Vitae (narrative CV) clearly outlining how the applicant meets the position requirements.
• Copy of diploma(s) certifying higher education.
• Copy of PhD diploma.
• Any other supporting documents the applicant considers relevant.

Equal Opportunity Statement: The Employer does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.