Doctoral Position for developing advanced magnetic concepts required in future high power grid interfaces — ETH Zürich

Full description

Doctoral Position for developing advanced magnetic concepts required in future high power grid interfaces

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Laboratory for High Power Electronic Systems (HPE) at the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering of ETH Zurich conducts internationally leading research on power electronic converter systems, which are required, for example, in future energy distribution systems for the integration of renewable energy sources or in traction applications/electric vehicles. Another research focus is on solid-state pulse modulators for medical applications (computer tomography/cancer treatment) and accelerators (CERN). For the design and optimisation of the various power electronic systems, we develop advanced multi-physics models/digital twins/virtual prototypes at the component and system level. For a new research project on high-power grid interfaces for future data centres, PV, and energy storage systems, we are looking for a: Doctoral Candidate (PhD position), with a workload of 100% of for developing advanced magnetic concepts required in future high power grid interfaces

Job description

• We are looking for highly motivated individuals with an outstanding academic background to pursue a Doctorate (PhD) in the multidisciplinary field of developing, modelling and optimising advanced magnetic devices (inductors, transformers and filters) for use in future high-power grid interfaces and active rectifiers
• These devices are essential for filtering and protection in grid interfaces and significantly impact the achievable system power density and efficiency
• Bidirectional grid interfaces connect the AC grid to the DC 'load', and potential applications include large-scale data centres, large-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems and battery energy storage systems for storing the fluctuating energy of renewable energy sources
• To maximise the efficiency and power density of these high-power grid interfaces, you will design new magnetic device concepts and develop multi-physics models that describe (HF) losses in the windings and cores, cooling/temperature distribution, parasitic capacitances, magnetic couplings between the different components, and electrical insulation
• In addition to designing the magnetic devices, you will work on optimising the modulation schemes and operation during grid failures of the grid interfaces, as these have a significant impact on the magnetics design
• The developed concepts and models will be integrated into optimisation procedures for power electronic converter systems in a computationally efficient way
• This is essential for achieving outstanding system efficiencies and power densities, as well as gaining a competitive edge
• The models are also part of an ongoing, wider modelling framework development project at HPE, offering the opportunity to collaborate with other Doctoral candidates (PhD candidates) on different modelling aspects
• For verifying the new concepts and developed models, you will design and build different magnetic devices (including a converter system) to operate the magnetics under realistic conditions
• Our laboratory is offering a challenging and scientifically exciting full-time position within a dynamic international team at one of the world's leading technical universities
• We also strongly encourage participation in international conferences and offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and outstanding research and laboratory facilities for your experiments

Profile

• A diploma/M.Sc. degree in electrical engineering with excellent grades
• Fundamental knowledge of power electronic converter systems
• Good communication skills
• Fluency in English
• The willingness to fully commit yourself as part of an international team
• In addition, you should be interested in the detailed modelling and design of magnetic components and the optimisation of power electronic systems

We offer

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
• We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university
• You can expect numerous benefits , such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ , childcare and attractive pension benefits
• Our laboratory offers a challenging and scientifically highly exciting full-time position in a dynamic, international team at one of the world-wide leading technical universities
• We strongly encourage participation at international conferences and offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits as well as outstanding research and laboratory facilities for your experiments

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future .

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Comprehensive CV
• Your B.S. and M.Sc. transcripts
• Electronic copies of the B.Sc/M.Sc. thesis and/or your publications (if available)
• Names/adresses of references should be uploaded on the ETH online application portal

Further information about Laboratory for High Power Electronic Systems (HPE) can be found on our Website . For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Jürgen Biela, Tel +41 44 632 69 22 or [email protected] (no applications).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

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