Doctoral student in Industrial Electrical Engineering - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
The research topic is Industrial Electrical Engineering. The focus of this position is technology for electric vehicles.

Industrial electrical engineering focuses on technology and systems for electrical and electro-mechanic energy conversion. The topic is by nature multidisciplinary with strong content of electromagnetism, power electronics, applied electronics, material science, electrical machine design, control theory, real time systems, industrial automation and electrical measurements. The dynamics of systems involved is usually in a short time scale (100 ns-100 ms), which is reflected in used control methodology. The topic relates to industrial automation where research problems on a more holistic system level are included. The research in industrial electrical engineering is usually inspired by industrial problems.

A large research area of the division is electric vehicle related technologies, including both the vehicle related electromobility specific technologies. An increasingly important area is charging related aspects, both for on board systems, systems outside the vehicle and the interaction with the electric power grid.

Work tasks
The specific task for this position focuses on methodology and technological development related to charging of electrical vehicles. The area can be subdivided in several ways, e.g. on board/external chargers, static (non-moving vehicles)/dynamic (moving vehicles) chargers, conductive/inductive chargers, integrated/separate chargers. Regardless of such divisions, most solutions for charging can also be manually or automatically connected. The work tasks involve modelling and analysis of charging solutions for AC on board chargers in the power range up to and beyond 100 kW. Alternative separate and integrated solutions on board need to be modelled and analysed with regard to efficiency, cost, safety, affect on the power grid and the potential for feeding energy from the vehicles to the power grid and from one vehicle to another.

The work requires good understanding of how fully or partly electrified vehicles are constructed and used and how this relates to their charging needs. Circuit simulations of the power system (power grid/vehicle battery – vehicle battery) including parasitic components and chassi potential during both normal operation and various possible error conditions. Consequently, experience and knowledge of numerical modelling tools such as Spice and Matlab, FEM-analysis, and use of the LabView system for measurements and control are essential. Furthermore, knowledge of existing and upcoming standardizations is needed.

The main duty is to pursue research studies including participation both in research projects and PhD courses. The duties also involve some teaching and other departmental duties (maximum 20%). The appointment is limited to 5 years (if 20% departmental duties are included). Rules regarding doctoral studentships can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1998:80).

Admission requirements
The general admission requirement for third cycle studies is a second-cycle qualification or courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or substantially equivalent knowledge acquired in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Other requirements
Excellent knowledge in English, speaking and writing.

Assessment criteria
Admission to third cycle studies is based on the assessed ability to complete the research studies programme.

The assessment of the ability referred to in the first paragraph is mainly based on the study record from the first and second cycle.

The following will be considered:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and subject. These can be demonstrated through submitted documents and a possible interview.
• Estimated ability to work independently and to formulate and address research problems. The assessment can be based on the degree project and a discussion of the degree project at a possible interview.
• Ability to communicate in speech and writing.
• Other experiences of relevance to the third cycle study programme, e.g. work experience.

Consideration will also be given to personal suitability and how the applicant, through his/her skills and experience, is deemed to possess the skills necessary to complete the research studies programme.

Other merits:

• A suitable educational background would be a MSc in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering with special focus on electrical drive systems, power electronics and electric/hybrid vehicle technology;
• Previous experience of working with development of fully or partly electrified vehicles;
• Knowledge in Swedish, speaking and writing.

Terms of employment
A PhD position is an employment with the main duty to be engaged in PhD studies according to the study plan. The duration of PhD studies is 4 years full time studies. In addition, those appointed to doctoral student position may be required to work with educational tasks, research and technical/administrative duties at a level of at most 20% of full time. The position is then extended correspondingly, however not longer than corresponding to 5 years full time employment. PhD positions are subject to special regulations. These can be found in the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance (SFS 1993:100, ch. 5, with updates). Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to PhD position.

Application procedure
Apply online! Applications must contain a covering letter in which applicants describe themselves and their particular research interests. Applications must also include a CV, a copy of the applicant’s Master’s thesis (or a summary text if the thesis is not yet completed), contact details of at least two references, copies of grade certificates, and any other documents that the applicant wishes to refer to. Applicants are also required to answer the job specific questions as the first step of the application process.

Remarks
We ask companies dealing with advertising job openings and staffing companies to refrain from seeking contact with us since we are bound by contracts in the governmental system.

The English version of this announcement is an interpretation of national formalities expressed in the Swedish text. In case of uncertainties, the Swedish text applies.

Welcome with your application!