Doctoral student in Electrical Engineering focusing on wide bandgap semiconductor devices for power electronics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The position is in The Division of Electromagnetism and Nanoelectronics (EMN) at the Department of Electrical and Information Technology (EIT). The division has 15 senior researchers and around 15 doctoral students, and has strong collaboration with industry. Within the department, we work in a broad field ranging from semiconductor components, nanotechnology, electronics, and electromagnetic modeling.
More about EMN

Subject description

The topic of this project is to realize vertical semiconductor power electronics devices based on novel ultra wide bandgap materials such as AlGaN and Ga2O3. Such devices can reach substantially better performance as compared to traditional power electronic devices based on Si and SiC.

You will fabricate and analyze novel devices based on these materials (transistors and diodes) and perform electrical characterization together with material scientists. The aim is to demonstrate high performance devices operating at high breakdown voltages (>1200V) with state-of-the-art values of the device resistances.

To achieve this, you 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 other doctoral students working with power electronic devices at the department, but also with experienced researchers within materials growth and materials characterization, at the departments of solid state physics and synchrotron radiation.

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 future power electronics switches.

The position is part of the COMPEL initiative : COMPEL, "COMPetence for the ELectrification of the transport system", is a strategic initiative by the Swedish government, aimed at strengthening research and educational environments within battery technology and electrification. Within COMPEL, the three institutions - Chalmers University of Technology, Lund University, and Uppsala University – in consultation with Swedish industry, deepen their collaboration with the aim of strengthening Sweden's position in battery technology contributing to the electrification of the transport sector, and related areas. The three institutions aim to enhance research and education in the battery sector to ensure strong research in battery technology supporting that electrification of the transport sector is maintained and further developed in Sweden. Research within COMPEL spans the entire battery value chain: materials research, research on new cell concepts and cell manufacturing, battery systems and system integration, recycling, and safety.

At Lund University with the Faculty of Engineering (LTH), COMPEL is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing research environments in battery technology and electrification, in a manner that complements relevant research at other institutions and builds on our strengths. COMPEL at Lund University initially includes researchers from ten departments, and three areas of research have been identified for strategic development: materials research, integration of batteries with power electronics, and safe energy storage. On the educational side, the number of students in several of the Master programs is being increased, and the course offerings related to battery technology and electrification are being strengthened.

 The position is also connected to the C3NIT competence center, with strong connections to different Swedish universities involved in Nitride-based power electronics research. The center includes several large companies with interests within the field of power electronics.
More about C3NIT (c3nit.se)

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 AlN, AlGaN and Ga2O3 devices in cleanroom environment (Lund Nano Lab) (nano.lu.se).
• 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 biomedical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, engineering mathematics, nanoengineering, engineering physics 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 semiconductor technology.

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 semiconductor device physics, nanoelectronics and material science.
• 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 §§. The start date is as soon as possible according to agreement, however no later than January 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

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!