PhD in Next-Generation Solid-State Smart Pulsed Power

Introduction

Are you our next PhD candidate in solid-state pulsed power? We are seeking an enthusiastic candidate to take on the challenge to take solid-state pulsed power to the next level to unlock the full potential of pulsed power applications and make an impact to the world.

Job Description

With high-voltage pulses we can do fantastic things: clear air and water, generate fertilizers and break rocks; all with just electricity! However, for full utilization in the real world we need to be able to tailor the pulses from pulse to pulse to the application. In this project we will take this crucial step by unravelling the complex interaction between the pulse source and the load in a case study and by the development of “Next-Generation Smart Pulsed Power Technology”: fully real-time-controllable solid-state pulsed power that can adapt its waveform from pulse to pulse to optimize the application. The PhD position is on realizing this next step in solid-state pulsed power.

The total project consists of multiple parts:

• Part of the project will focus on applying pulsed power to rock fragmentation (the test case for this project).
• Another part will be spent on developing the solid-state pulsed power system; a 50-100 kV, impedance-matched Marx generator capable of flexible pulses at high repetition rates (up to 1 kHz), including a control system that allows for real-time pulse-shape changes from pulse to pulse, based on real-time information from the application.
• In the final phase of the project, the first two parts will combine to enable the next step towards the application.

The PhD position we are advertising for will be mainly focused on the second part (the solid-state pulsed power). Another PhD candidate (already hired) is currently focusing on the first part.

We are looking for a candidate with hands-on pulsed power experience, power electronics experience and high-voltage experience (in your application, please highlight your experience in these areas, with practical examples). The challenges you will meet along the way are numerous and exciting, such as: developing the new solid-state pulse source, the control system for the pulse source, studying the interaction between the pulse source and the application, countering electromagnetic interference and many more, all the while working in a state-of-the-art high-voltage lab with the newest equipment.

The total TU/e executing project team consists of 2 PhD students (as well as an academic supervisor), but you will be working in a large pulsed power team (around 20 people from all walks of academic life). Furthermore, you will be working together with companies that will bring the research results into practice, so we are looking for a candidate with excellent teamworking skills.

Electrical Energy Systems Group

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is a world-leading research university specializing in engineering science & technology. The Department of Electrical Engineering is responsible for research and education in Electrical Engineering. The discipline covers technologies and electrical phenomena involved in computer engineering, information processing, energy transfer and telecommunication. The department strives for societal relevance through an emphasis on the fields of smart sustainable systems, the connected world and care & cure.

The Electrical Energy Systems (EES) group has a strong research line on Pulsed Power Technology, which is the topic that deals with the generation of the short high-voltage pulses for applications such as plasmas, rock fragmentation, fusion, and many others. Pulsed Power Technology is practiced at several world-recognized institutes around the world. One of these top institutes is the EES group at Eindhoven University of Technology.

In EES’ High-Voltage laboratory (a 14x14x8m Faraday cage) we work on (nanosecond) high-voltage pulse source design, plasmas, pulsed power applications and all the intermediate steps in the process. Our main focus is on the development of nanosecond pulsed high-voltage circuits that generate pulses from several kV to hundreds of kV and from less than one nanosecond duration to pulses of several hundreds of nanoseconds duration.

Job Requirements

• A master's degree in Electrical Engineering with excellent grades, preferably with a specialization in pulsed power, high-voltage engineering and/or power electronics engineering and some knowledge in practical mechanical engineering.
• Experience with working in a lab environment. For this project it is important that you feel comfortable working with high voltage, but also that you can design and implement prototypes and research setups in the lab, preferably having experience with PCB design.
• Be able bridge the gap between fundamental concepts and theories on the one hand, and practical implementation and evaluation of these concepts on the other hand.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).
  
  

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, dr.ir. Tom Huiskamp, t.huiskamp@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.ee@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.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

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.