Doctoral student in Electrical Engineering with a focus on power electronics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace and project

The position is located in the division of Electromagnetism and Nanoelectronics at the Department of Electrical and Information Technology. The division has 15 senior researchers and 15 doctoral students, and has collaboration with industry. Within the department, we work in a broad field ranging from semiconductor components, nanotechnology, electronics, and electromagnetic calculations. https://www.eit.lth.se/index.php?gpuid=500&L=1

The subject of this project is to realize novel vertical semiconductor power electronics devices suitable for high operating voltages and current level. The devices are based on wide bandgap (GaN) and ultra wide bandgap AlGaN materials, in order to achieve high (>1200V) breakdown voltages while simultaneously showing low on-resistance. To achieve this, the student will work with device design and fabrication within clean room facilities, as well as with electrical characterization and some device modeling. The research work will be conducted in close collaboration with experienced researchers and doctoral students within the division as well as at the department of solid state physics.

This recruitment is within the C3NIT competence center, with strong connections to different Swedish universities involved in power electronics research. The center also included several large companies with interests within the field of power electronics. 

Subject description

Development of high-performance power electronics are key enablers in the transition to a carbon-emission free society, as needed to reduce effects due to global warming. Research and development of advanced novel semiconductor technologies based on wideband and ultra-wideband materials are key enabling technologies to build more efficient and compact power electronics switches.

Work duties

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%).

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• Fabrication and characterization of vertical GaN and AlGaN devices in cleanroom environment (Lund Nano Lab)
• Electrical characterization of fabricated devices.
• Modeling and simulation of device characteristics, as well as interaction with circuit designers.
• Admission requirements 

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant: 

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

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in 
Electrical Engineering if the applicant has: 

• at least 60 second-cycle credits in subjects of relevance to electrical engineering, or
• a MSc in Engineering in nanoengineering, engineering physics (MSc in Physics is also valid), electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, computer science, engineering mathematics, or information and communication engineering.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Very good knowledge of one or several subjects related to semiconductor physics or power electronics. 

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from 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. An assessment of 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:

• Courses, or demonstrated knowledge in device physics and power electronics.
• Knowledge from experimental research, e.g. clean room work and electrical device characterization. 

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.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. 
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

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. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

How to apply

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 to apply!