Doctoral Position in solid-state transformer development, with a focus on high-power medium-frequency transformers

Immigration Policy Lab; Zürich; On-site; CHF 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public transport season tickets

Car sharing

Sports facilities (ASVZ)

Childcare support

Pension benefits

Job summary

ETH Zurich is seeking a Doctoral position in solid‑state transformer development with a focus on high‑power medium‑frequency transformers. You will conduct doctoral research on modelling, optimisation and integration of SSTs into PV systems and grids, including battery storage and dynamic power flow, within a leading international team.

The role requires an electrical engineering degree with excellent grades, strong knowledge of power electronics, and fluency in English.

Qualifications

• A diploma/M.Sc. degree in electrical engineering with excellent grades.
• Fundamental knowledge of power electronic converter systems.
• Good communication skills.
• Fluency in English.
• Willingness to work in an international team.
• Interest in detailed modelling and design of magnetic components.

Responsibilities

• Doctoral research on modelling and optimisation of high‑power solid‑state transformers.
• Investigate high‑frequency, high‑voltage medium‑frequency transformers for PV and grids.
• Integrate battery storage and control power flow between batteries and the grid.
• Develop multiphysics models for losses, temperature, cooling, and insulation.
• Optimize core, windings and cooling for efficiency and density.
• Design, build and test MFT prototypes and converter systems.
• Collaborate with a team and document modelling procedures.

Skills

Power electronics

English fluency

Communication skills

Education

Diploma/M.Sc. in electrical engineering

Job description

Doctoral Position in solid-state transformer development, with a focus on high‑power medium‑frequency transformers

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 Solid‑State‑Transformers for future PV and energy storage systems, we are looking for a: Doctoral Position for developing solid state transformers with the focus on high‑power medium frequency transformers.

100%, Zurich, fixed‑term

Job description

• Doctoral research on modelling and optimisation of high‑power Solid‑State Transformers (SSTs), focusing on Medium‑Frequency Transformers (MFTs).
• Investigation of high‑frequency and high‑voltage MFTs for PV systems and medium‑voltage grids.
• Integration of battery storage systems and control of dynamic power flow between batteries and the grid.
• Development of multiphysics models for losses, temperature, cooling, resonances and electrical insulation.
• Optimisation of core, windings and cooling for improved efficiency, power density and power transfer.
• Development and optimisation of SST systems and power electronic converters.
• Integration of models into computationally efficient optimisation procedures and collaboration with other Doctoral Position.
• Design, construction and experimental validation of MFT prototypes and converter systems.

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

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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.

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 [phone] or e-mail [e-mail] (no applications).

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.