Postdoctoral position in Industrial Electrical Engineering and Automation with Focus on Electrical Machine Design

Description of the workplace

At the Division of Industrial Electrical Engineering and Automation, research is conducted in four research groups: Power Systems, Electrical Drive Systems, Electrification, and Water Systems. The project associated with this postdoctoral position belongs to the Electrical Drive Systems group. The group's research covers power electronics, charging infrastructure, cooling of electrical machines, and materials research aimed at identifying, modelling, and minimizing core losses in electrical machines. Research is conducted through finite element simulations, the development of numerical and analytical models, and experimental testing in laboratory environments. The group collaborates closely with the Power Systems and Electrification research groups due to the shared fundamental principles of electrical engineering and overlapping research interests, particularly in electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

This position is based at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, within the Division of Industrial Electrical Engineering and Automation, under the supervision of Professor Mats Alaküla. The project involves close collaboration with Swedish electric vehicle manufacturers and other university departments, such as the Department of Energy Sciences, and is part of the LTH Research Profile area “Energy Transition”. 

Subject description

The project you would be working on focuses on developing cooling methods and material selection for electrical machines used in traction applications, in collaboration with a Swedish manufacturer of electric passenger vehicles. The primary objective is to evaluate the use of direct cooling of windings in electric traction machines using either air (with water injection assistance) or oil, combined with the use of aluminium as winding material, aiming to reduce the dependency on high-performance magnetic materials. The goal is to develop cost-effective and environmentally friendly traction machines, while maintaining or improving driving cycle performance compared to modern traction machines with copper windings and jacket cooling.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development. 

Detailed description of the work duties:

• Simulating and designing electrical machines for traction applications to develop a high-performance and environmentally sustainable drivetrain.
• Modelling, designing, and testing cooling systems to achieve the desired performance with selected materials.
• Co-supervision of doctoral students.
• Initiating Master’s thesis projects within the specific research area.
• Teaching and examining courses in e.g. power electronics, electric power engineering, and electrical drive systems.
• Supervising and/or examining bachelor's and master's theses in the broader field of industrial electrical engineering and automation.
• Assisting the research group in external research funding applications.
• Collaborating with industry and society.
• Performing administrative tasks related to the above-mentioned duties.

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. The certificate proving that the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English. 
• Ability to independently conduct high-quality research and experience in writing scientific publications.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team and interact with a diverse group of researchers and technical staff in a dynamic environment.
• Experience in teaching at higher education level, including lecturing and designing examination tasks. 

Note that this position requires strong modelling skills and a doctoral degree in a relevant field with extensive experience in mathematical modelling (e.g., theoretical physics, applied mathematics, dynamics and control, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering).

Assessment criteria

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 scientific 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. 

Other qualifications:

• Experience in simulating and designing electrical machines for traction applications.
• Experience in designing and modelling cooling concepts for electrical machines.
• Experience in constructing electrical machine prototypes.
• Experience in experimentally testing electrical machines in a laboratory environment.
• Scientific independence. 

Consideration will also be given to 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.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. 
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Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment 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”).

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.). 

We look forward to receiving your application!