Doctoral student in industrial electrical engineering - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

LTH, Division of Industrial Electrical Engineering and Automation

The doctoral student will be employed at the Div. of Industrial Electrical Engineering and Automation (IEA). The research conducted at IEA focuses on electric power systems, electric drives and wastewater systems. All research aims at a sustainable society, in line with EU climate goals and UN Agenda 2030 for sustainable development. In practice, scientific methods for modelling, analysis and control are applied to systems of industrially relevant complexity. These methods are usually validated using laboratory measurements and real-life data.

Industrial electrical engineering focuses on technology and systems for electrical and electromechanical energy conversion. The subject is cross-disciplinary by nature, with a strong connection to electromagnetism, power and signal electronics, material science, electrical machine design, automatic control, as well as real time systems, automation, and electric measurement technology.

The subject is also coupled to industrial automation since research questions at a more comprehensive system level are also addressed. The research in industrial electrical engineering is usually inspired by real industrial problems.

Project

The research education subject is industrial electrical engineering.

This position aims at identifying and developing alternative technical solutions in order to achieve future fossil-free farming. These solutions include different ways of generating carbon-neutral energy, as well as new concepts for machines, tools, and other equipment necessary to replace today’s fossil-based technology.

The work consists of modelling, designing and controlling the energy supply and use in future fossil-free farms, which can be characterised as power-intensive systems with an uneven yet substantial energy consumption and a relatively weak electric power grid connection. Many of the operations included in farming and agricultural work are very weather dependent, thus one must be able to adapt their planning and execution to maximise profit. Furthermore, logistics can become quite complex when growing different types of crops in different fields, which often are located several kilometres away. In order for the new technology not to affect this required flexibility, solutions with potentially portable energy storage and local renewable energy generation are required.

The project is a collaboration with different companies and governmental agencies.

Work duties                    

IEA is looking for a doctoral student with focus on model development and simulation of systems according to the project description, which includes the development of a modelling strategy for the electrification of different types of farms. The models will be used to analyse and synthesise systems consisting of vehicles, local energy generation, local energy storage, and charging solutions that create the right conditions for a commercially competitive operation. The work requires understanding the different processes and operations involved in the applications and finding the common denominators as a base for the model development.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%), see Terms of employment.

The work will be carried out in a group with other doctoral students and senior researchers within the same or closely related topics.

Admission requirements

To meet the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes the applicant must:

• have been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• have satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third-cycle studies in industrial electrical engineering if he or she has:

• at least 30 second-cycle credits of relevance to the field of study

Additional requirements:

• very good oral and written proficiency in English

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the applicant’s potential to successfully complete such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. Ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• The work requires detailed knowledge about the complex processes and work sequences in farming. This knowledge is available in the project via a strong collaboration with several farmers in Sweden. In order to take full advantage of this collaboration, oral and written proficiency in Swedish and previous experience with farming and agricultural work will be valued.
• The work involves a wide spectrum of technologies and competences. Hence it is especially valuable if the candidates possess the following experiences: Suitable background for a candidate is a Master of Science in engineering physics, electrical engineering or mechanical engineering with significant contributions from one or several of the areas energy / transport / vehicles / power systems.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. If the student is involved in teaching and other departmental duties, the appointment will be extended accordingly, although to a maximum of 5 years (i.e. max 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §.

Instructions on how to apply

You can apply to this position via the link at the end of this announcement. Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Welcome with your application!