PhD position for developing multi-physics models of planar inductors and transformers 100%

ETH Zürich; Zürich; Vor Ort; CHF 65.000 - 90.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Public transport season tickets

Car sharing

Wide range of sports offered by ASVZ

Childcare

Attractive pension benefits

Zusammenfassung

ETH Zürich is seeking a PhD candidate (100%) to develop multi-physics models of planar inductors and transformers. Join our dynamic research lab focused on power electronic converter systems.

The ideal candidate will have an excellent academic background in electrical engineering, a keen interest in magnetic device optimisation, and strong communication skills. Expect a competitive salary and numerous benefits while supporting a sustainable university.

Qualifikationen

• You must have a diploma/M.Sc. degree in electrical engineering with excellent grades.
• Good communication skills.
• Fluency in English.

Aufgaben

• Develop multi-physics models of planar inductors and transformers.
• Optimise core and winding geometry for power electronic systems.
• Design and build prototypes for verification of new concepts.

Kenntnisse

Fundamental knowledge of power electronic converter systems

Good communication skills

Fluency in English

Interest in modelling and design of magnetic components

Ausbildung

Diploma/M.Sc. degree in electrical engineering

Jobbeschreibung

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, required for future energy distribution systems for renewable energy sources integration or traction applications/electric vehicles. Another research focus is on solid‑state pulse modulators for medical applications and accelerators. For the design and optimisation of power electronic systems, we develop advanced multi‑physics models, digital twins, and virtual prototypes at the component as well as at the system level. For a new research project on planar magnetics for highly compact, low‑profile power electronic systems, we are looking for a PhD candidate (100%) for developing multi‑physics models of planar inductors and transformers.

Job description

We are looking for highly motivated individuals with an outstanding academic background who are interested in pursuing a PhD in the multidisciplinary research area of modelling and optimising planar magnetic devices (inductors and transformers). Compact and highly efficient planar magnetic devices, utilising for example PCB‑based winding structures, are key components of many power electronic converters with a low profile, required for DC‑DC converters in future data centres or automotive applications connecting the main drive battery with the 12 V auxiliary battery. Planar magnetic devices are also required in wireless charging/energy transfer systems, where they must be highly compact and efficient.

To push the efficiency and power density limits of such planar magnetic devices, you will develop multi‑physics models that comprehensively describe the (HF) losses in the windings, the parasitic capacitances of the windings, and also the temperature distribution in the winding and core. You will also develop models for designing the electrical insulation of the winding. Based on these models, you will optimise the core and winding geometry and develop advanced cooling concepts for the windings and core. The models will be integrated into optimisation procedures for power electronic converter systems in a computationally efficient manner, essential for achieving outstanding system efficiencies and power densities.

For verifying the new cooling and winding concepts as well as the developed models, you will design and build different prototypes, including power‑electronic converter systems, to operate the planar magnetics under realistic conditions.

Profile

• You must have 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.
• Interest in the detailed modelling and design of magnetic components and optimisation of power electronic systems.

We offer

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which supports your professional development and 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, car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.
• A challenging and scientifically exciting full‑time position in a dynamic international team at one of the world‑wide leading technical universities.
• A competitive salary, excellent benefits, and outstanding research and laboratory facilities to support your experiments.

We value diversity and sustainability. In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture, promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity, and nurtures a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value for us – we consistently work toward a climate‑neutral future.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Jürgen Biela at [e-mail].