P2P Energy Trading & Flexibility Researcher

Location: San Lorenzello

Koala Seeks a P2P Energy Trading & Flexibility Researcher
At Koala, we aim to make energy sharing and trading simple, efficient, and impactful. Join us and play a vital role in developing the core intelligence that will power the future of decentralized, flexible energy systems.

Your Responsibilities

Design, develop, and test novel algorithms and market mechanisms for peer‑to‑peer energy trading, including matching, clearing, and pricing mechanisms for local energy communities.

Research and model flexibility markets—demand response, storage dispatch, EV charging, and other distributed energy resources—for grid balancing, congestion management, and ancillary services.

Conduct theoretical research and mathematical modeling of market dynamics, auction design, incentive mechanisms, and user/prosumer behavior in decentralized energy systems.

Implement and evaluate algorithms using simulations and real‑world data, ensuring robustness, scalability, fairness, and performance.

Collaborate closely with software engineers to integrate market mechanisms and flexibility algorithms into Koala's energy sharing and trading platform.

Stay at the forefront of academic and industry research in relevant fields such as game theory, mechanism design, operations research, and machine learning, particularly as applied to P2P energy trading and flexibility markets.

Analyze large datasets from energy communities and grid operators to extract insights, identify patterns, and inform algorithmic and market design.

Prepare technical reports, white papers, and potentially contribute to academic publications or patent applications.

Contribute to a culture of innovation, rigorous analysis, and continuous learning within the team.

What We're Looking For

MSc or PhD in Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, Operations Research, Electrical Engineering, or a related quantitative field.

Proven experience designing, implementing, and evaluating algorithms or market mechanisms, particularly in areas like mechanism design, auction theory, game theory, optimization, or agent‑based modeling.

Strong programming skills in languages such as Python (with libraries like Num Py, Sci Py, Pandas, scikit‑learn) or MATLAB.

Experience with optimization solvers (e.g., Gurobi, CPLEX, or open‑source alternatives) is a plus.

Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with a talent for tackling complex, abstract challenges and translating them into mathematical models.

Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non‑technical audiences.

A strong interest in peer‑to‑peer energy trading, flexibility markets, smart grids, distributed energy resources (DERs), and energy communities. Prior experience or research in these domains is a significant advantage.

Familiarity with electricity market design, demand response programs, or grid balancing/ancillary services is a plus.

A proactive, curious, and collaborative mindset, with a drive for discovery and impactful research.

Strong knowledge of the English language (fluency in other European languages is a plus).

Cazzimma — the determination, intellectual tenacity, and drive needed to push boundaries and solve hard problems!

Why Koala?
Koala is a forward‑thinking, flexible company driven by a simple goal: to revolutionize energy sharing for all. We value every team member for their unique strengths and potential. Here, you'll find a team that believes in collective growth, hard work, deep thinking, and a clear focus on results.

What We Offer

Full‑time position with a competitive salary based on your experience and qualifications.

Smart working options up to 100% remote (adaptable to the candidate's needs).

A culture of intellectual stimulation, collaboration, respect, and personal growth.

A chance to develop foundational technology and shape the future of clean, decentralized, and flexible energy on an international stage.

Opportunities to publish research and engage with the wider scientific community.

Location
Remote working is welcome, but you'll always find a home base in Benevento, Avellino, Salerno or Torino (so far!).

Ready to innovate?
If you're a creative and analytical thinker, passionate about using market design and algorithms to make peer‑to‑peer energy trading and flexibility a reality, Koala is waiting for you. Apply now and let's build an intelligent, democratic, and decentralized energy future together.

Tag Your Network — If you know someone with the passion and expertise to develop groundbreaking mechanisms for P2P energy trading and flexibility, share this opportunity!

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