Junior researchers (doctoral students) in power electronics, electrical machines and electric transport systems

The LUT School of Energy Systems is looking for junior researchers (doctoral students) in power electronics, electrical machines, and electric transport systems. 

The main task will be to conduct studies and research for a doctoral dissertation in power electronics (PE) and related technologies, such as semiconductors, passive filters and components, control systems, and electrical drives.

The duties may also include daily activities of the research team, such as supervision of trainees and Bachelor or Master students and assistance in teaching.

We expect you to have a basic understanding of electrical machines and of PE converters, their control principles, and their main circuit level design. It is a significant advantage if you are an experienced user of Matlab and Simulink or another PE simulation tool (e.g., Ansys, PLECS, PSPice, or non-commercial tools). Familiarity with PE application fields such as charging technology, inverter technology, grid converters, electric powertrains, or industrial motor systems is considered an advantage. If you have a background in these areas, you should present related publications or a master’s thesis as evidence. 

Your interests and skills may relate to PE systems, electrical machines, and electric transportation systems.

PE systems

• Innovative converter topologies for PE systems
• Control systems design of PE converters
• Passive filtering solutions for PE systems
• Modelling and analysis of PE converters
• Wide bandgap semiconductor switches for PE

Electrical machines

• Design and analysis of electrical machines
• Development of new innovative electrical machine topologies 
• High-speed, high-power density machines 
• Permanent magnet free machines 
• Innovative cooling solutions

Electric Transportation systems

• State-of-the-art of the technology
• New solutions for electric transportation
• Megawatt class charging systems
• Electric powertrain development 
• Optimal usage of electric transportation methods  

Applicants must have a master’s degree or the equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., electrical engineering, industrial electronics, electrical machines and drives, power electronics), and the ability and motivation to complete the doctoral studies within the normative duration of the studies for the degree (i.e., four years). 

Employment relationship and pay

The employment contract can be concluded only if the candidate obtains the right to pursue postgraduate studies at LUT University. The employment starts with a one-year term including a six-month trial period and can be extended for another three years provided that the studies have progressed satisfactorily. 

The salary is based on the current collective agreement for Finnish universities. The typical gross starting salary for a junior researcher is approximately 32 500 euros a year (plus a holiday bonus in accordance with the collective agreement). 

What we offer

In addition to a competitive salary, the wide range of benefits that come with the job include a holiday bonus, generous annual leave, a research incentive scheme with personal rewards for high-quality publications, flexible working hours, occupational health care, a collegial working environment, and continued commitment to your support, learning, training, and development.

How to apply 

This call is continuous, and it is open until 31 October 2024 at midnight, Finnish local time (UTC +2).

Please send your application through the university’s online application system with the following attachments:

• A motivation letter (max. 1 page)
• A curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages)
• A research plan proposal describing the research you would like to conduct on the topics listed above (max. 3 pages)
• A copy of your academic degree certificate and transcript of records. If the original documents are not in English, Finnish, or Swedish, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English or Finnish. 

Only applications that include the required documents will be considered. Please submit all the application materials in English. 

Applications are handled in the order of arrival. Candidates will be informed about the decision within two weeks from sending the application. 

Applicants with experience in PE systems and having published at least one JUFO-classified paper related to PE systems are given preference in the selection process. Verification whether the paper has a JUFO level can be performed at Publication Forum.  

More information

For more information, contact Professor Pasi Peltoniemi (pasi.peltoniemi@lut.fi), Professor Juha Pyrhönen (juha.pyrhonen@lut.fi) or Associate Professor Lassi Aarniovuori (lassi.aarniovuori@lut.fi). 

Read more about LUT as an employer and LUT Doctoral School. 

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Technical support for using the recruitment system: recruitment@lut.fi.