PostDoc 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 battery-based energy storage in the electric power grid.

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 timescale (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 and charging related aspects. In the latter case the impact on the electric power grid is of particular interest.

Work duties                  
The specific task that this Postdoc position focuses on is the use of 2nd life EV-batteries in electric grid support functions. The quickly growing market of various types of electric vehicles will by time lead to a large supply of EV-batteries that are no longer used in vehicles but still operational and suitable for being used in electric power grid support functions, not at least in combination with renewable power generation. A challenge in setting up such 2nd life grid support batteries is that they come in a multitude of variations regarding nominal voltage, nominal energy, state of health, chemistry etc. and that they will have different interfaces of electrical terminals, communication and cooling solutions.

A battery-based electric power grid support system based on 2nd life batteries must be able to handle the expected variety of batteries, such that each battery is used to the best of its abilities. This requires a power electronic solution that allows inclusion of batteries of different voltages and which can handle each battery individually. The focus of the Postdoc position is to investigate alternative solutions for such a grid energy storage design, given the expected variety of batteries discussed above.

The job will be performed in close cooperation with an industrial partner who has a strong position on the world market with suitable technology for interfacing the electric power grid.

The work tasks include:

• High quality research within the specified area;
• Supervising MSc thesis projects and co-supervise PhD students;
• Writing and publication of research reports, journal papers and conference papers for a national and an international audience, both highly scientific ones and for the more practical electro-mechanical community;
• Writing research propsals for external funding;
• Collaborating with industry and society;
• Teaching and course devlopment (master’s level and PhD student level);
• Adminstration related to the tasks above.

Qualification requirements
Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

The additional requirements for potential employment are:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English;
• Previous experiences in power electronics design and control;
• An existing international network related to the topic.

It is considered a benefit if the applicant has previous experience of:

• Grid-connected applications;
• Electric vehicle related technology.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English. Please draw up the application in accordance with LTH’s Academic qualifications portfolio – see link below. Upload the application as PDF-files in the recruitment system. Read more: http://www.lth.se/english/working-at-lth/to-apply-for-academic-positions-at-lth/