Optimizing efficiency and misalignment tolerance in bidirectional wireless charging systems for electric vehicles

Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology; Finland; On-site; EUR 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology invites applications for a Doctoral Network on Bidirectional Wireless Power Transfer for Next-Generation Electric Mobility. The PhD position focuses on design and experimental validation of bidirectional wireless charging systems for high efficiency and misalignment tolerance.

The project includes two planned secondments, academic and industrial, and the student will publish results, contribute to network training, and prepare a doctoral thesis aligned

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Communication Engineering, Mechatronics, Applied Physics, or equivalent.
• Outstanding academic results.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English at a level enabling network training.
• Motivation and commitment to interdisciplinary and intersectoral training.
• Ability to work independently and in a team with good communication skills.
• Eligible to enrol in a PhD program at the host institution.

Responsibilities

• Design and experimental validation of bidirectional wireless charging systems optimized for high efficiency and misalignment tolerance.
• Participate in two planned secondments (academic and industrial) and publish results.
• Contribute to training, dissemination, and exploitation activities and prepare a doctoral thesis.

Education

Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Communication Engineering, Mechatronics, Applied Physics, or equivalent

Job description

Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology

Organisation/Company Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology Department Electrical and Electronic Engineering Research Field Engineering » Electrical engineering Engineering » Electronic engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 1 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Brussels) Country Finland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The BiWPT Doctoral Network on Bidirectional Wireless Power Transfer for Next-Generation Electric Mobility has a clear mission: to train a new generation of experts who possess the skills and fundamental knowledge required to effectively address the challenges of bidirectional WPT systems for electric mobility, enabling vehicle-grid integration in support of Europe’s energy transition. The network will advance fundamental understanding and practical implementation of efficient, compact, and misalignment-tolerant bidirectional WPT technologies. Expected innovations include novel electromagnetic coupling and converter designs, integrated shielding concepts and real-world demonstrators that enable seamless, efficient, and high-power electric vehicle charging and discharging. The network delivers a training programme to 15 Doctoral Candidates (DC), providing capabilities to become leaders of tomorrow’s R&I in Europe.

Objective of the doctoral position: Design and experimental validation of a bidirectional wireless charging systems optimized for high efficiency and misalignment tolerance under real-world EV parking conditions. The DC will integrate electromagnetic design, adaptive impedance matching, and converter control to maintain ≥90% efficiency at ±100 mm misalignment. Using multi-objective optimization and hardware prototyping aligned with SAE J2954 standards, the work will deliver validated designs and control strategies, contributing to IEEE P2030.1.1 and IEC 61980 standardization.

The DC will participate in two planned secondments as part of the doctoral training programme: an academic secondment at the co-supervising university abroad and an industrial secondment at the mentor’s company. The DC is expected to submit regular progress reports to the local and network supervisors. In addition, the DC will actively participate in BiWPT’s training, dissemination, communication, and exploitation activities. The DC will prepare a doctoral thesis and publish scientific articles related to the research project.

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Communication Engineering, Mechatronics, Applied Physics, or equivalent. Master's students in their final year may apply. Transcripts of the master’s degree should be obtained before signing the contract.
• Outstanding academic results. Moreover, applicants must have the necessary academic skills and background to make the success of a doctoral degree.
• Applicants must have the ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English to a level that is sufficiently high for them to derive the full benefit from the network training.
• Motivation and commitment to interdisciplinary and intersectoral training.
• Ability to work both individually and in a team with adequate communication skills.
• Eligible to enrol in a PhD program at the host institution.

Specific Requirements

You must comply with the MSCA Eligibility Criteria:

• Mobility Rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the country of the recruiting host institution for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays and time spent by the researcher as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.
• Doctoral Candidate Rule: Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree on the date of recruitment. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology Country Finland City Lappeenranta Geofield