-We are seeking highly motivated, enthusiastic, passionate, and communicative researchers who holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering, applied physics, computer science or related field, with outstanding academic achievements (top 5%).
-Knowledge of the power electronics domain is an asset.
-You are skilled in modelling, simulation and programming (e.g. MATLAB, Python, FE simulation software…).
-You have good communication skills and are able to build a network.
-You have a critical and creative mindset, able to formulate your own research questions.
-Eager to work in a collaborative international environment.
-Applicants must have excellent proficiency in English (speaking, listening and writing).
-Knowledge of Dutch is not required but encouraged.
Note: If the selected candidate holds a Master’s degree from a non-EU institution, an English proficiency certificate, a legalized English translation, and an apostille of the diploma and transcripts will be required.
This PhD project forms part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network “MAGNIFY” and seeks to address the growing challenge of accurately modeling passive magnetic components, subjected to the fast-switching of modern wide-bandgap semiconductors such as GaN and SiC.
The PhD candidate will investigate the impact of high-frequency capacitive effects on various winding types in magnetic components, including round, flat, Litz, PCB windings, foils… The research will focus on aspects such as the effects of defects and partial discharge phenomena, with the aim of assessing the performance and reliability of magnetic components in high-frequency power electronics applications.
International collaboration is central to this project. The candidate will undertake secondments to:
-ULB (Belgium) – Explore advanced materials and techniques for mitigating HF capacitive effects (Month 18–20),
-CERTH (Greece) – Analysis of defect effects in partial discharge phenomena in various winding types (Month 27–28).
-Thales Alenia Space (Belgium) – Explore aerospace applications (Month 32–33).
The research (and teaching) activities of KU Leuven/ESAT/ELECTA cover a wide spectrum, including power systems, power electronics, control and socio-economic issues. Main research topics include power system operation and control, distributed control and optimisation, power electronics, energy markets, and multi-scale, multi-physics system modelling. Active since the 1960s, the research group currently comprises 13 full-time professors, 12 postdoctoral and senior researchers, 13 administrative and technical staff, and over 100 PhD students. Several PhD students and post-docs at the Power Electronics/Numerical Models subgroup are working on modelling and applications of power electronics.
This position is a Marie Slodowska-Curie scholarship funded by the European Commission, with a highly competitive and attractive salary and working conditions. We offer:
-A fully funded 3-year PhD scholarship (extendable to 4 years)
-A doctoral scholarship (tax-free) of approximately 3.055 per month, if you are single with no dependent family members. It will be higher if you have a registered partner without income and/or dependent child(ren); it will be lower if you have a registered partner with income.
-A mobility allowance to travel abroad and finance your secondments.
-Specialized doctoral training to boost your expertise.
-Opportunities to collaborate in groundbreaking interdisciplinary research and participate in international conferences.
-Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and a range of university benefits (health insurance, etc.).
-A dynamic, passionate team of fellow PhD students and test engineers.
KU Leuven receives Researcher Allowances, consisting of a living allowance, mobility allowance and, if applicable a family allowance, for the recruitment of the Doctoral Candidate. These Researcher Allowances will be used to cover the Doctoral Candidate’s remuneration, including all employer and employee’s taxes and contributions.