PhD in Electromagnetic and Thermal Design Optimization Framework

Introduction

Are you a motivated researcher with a strong background in applied low-frequency electromagnetics, or applied physics, or electromechanics?  We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our research team in an ambitious 5-year project AI-driven Holistic Design and Control Tools for Planar Motors. You’ll be part of an excellent team at the Electromechanics and Power Electronics (EPE) Group at the Department of Electrical Engineering, and work in a close collaboration with other two PhD students and PostDocs in the Control Systems group of Eindhoven University and Computational Design and Mechanics research group at Delft University of Technology.

Job Description

High-precision motion systems for semiconductor manufacturing demand extreme accuracy, high throughput, and minimal thermal losses, yet current design processes are slow and fragmented. This project tackles the challenge by developing AI-driven, multi-physics design tools that integrate electromagnetic, thermal, and mechanical aspects into one holistic optimization framework, enabling faster, cost-effective, and innovative electromechanical actuator designs.

As a PhD candidate in the Electromechanics and Power Electronics group, you will develop advanced electromagnetic and thermal modeling frameworks for MAGLEV planar motors with moving permanent magnets and stationary coils. Your work will include creating computationally efficient magnetostatic formulations, designing optimal winding and magnet configurations using inverse modelling technique, and coupling these with thermal and cooling strategies to ensure robust performance. You will implement topology and shape optimization techniques for complex geometries, integrate multi-physics constraints, and validate your models through experimental setups and performance measurements. The research will lead to robust software tools and real-world prototype demonstrations in close collaboration with seven leading partners from high-tech industry.

Job Requirements

• Master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or Applied Mathematics.
• Very strong mathematical background, with knowledge of neural networks architectures.
• Ability to perform non-linear electromagnetic modeling, including IGA and coupling strategies, and to apply FE tools and electromechanical actuator design principles.
• Knowledge of programming languages, including Python and MATLAB, and of machine learning techniques.
• Experience with experimental work on electromechanical systems and with the measurement of magnetic material properties.
• Research-oriented attitude and ability to conduct high-quality academic research, reflected in demonstrable outputs.
• Good social and collaborative skills: ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interest in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level); knowledge of Dutch and German is a plus.
• Good scientific writing and documentation skills.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Prof. dr. E.A. Lomonova (e.lomonova@tue.nl) or dr. C. Ciuhu (c.ciuhu@tue.nl).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services Flux, hrservices.flux@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.