Research Masters – High-Frequency DC–DC Power Conversion

Tyndall National Institute; Cork; On-site; EUR 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tax-free scholarship stipend + tuition

20 days annual leave

Travel support for conferences

Training and development

Free Park and Ride

Job summary

Tyndall National Institute in Cork, Ireland, invites applications for a two-year Research Masters project in high-frequency DC-DC power conversion. The student will study converter modelling, design, optimisation and experimental validation, developing skills in power electronics through literature review, simulation, hardware development and laboratory testing.

The role involves modelling, measurements and data analysis, with publication and dissemination of results through technical reports

Qualifications

• Strong fundamentals in power electronics, including DC-DC converter operation, losses and efficiency analysis.
• Ability to use engineering simulation and numerical modelling tools for circuit/system analysis.
• Experience with practical laboratory support, including converter prototyping and measurements.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews on high-frequency DC-DC converters and power-conversion tech.
• Develop simulation and analytical models for high-frequency DC-DC converters (semiconductors, losses, thermal).
• Support design, development and experimental testing of power-converter hardware; analyze data and contribute to publications and reports.
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities as required.
• Ensure compliance with Tyndall’s Quality Management Systems and Health & Safety standards.

Skills

Power electronics fundamentals

Simulation tools

Laboratory testing

Analytical skills

Programming (Python/MATLAB)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or related

Tools

MATLAB

SPICE

Job description

Research Masters – High-Frequency DC-DC Power Conversion

About Tyndall

Tyndall National Institute is an international leader in semiconductors, photonics and deep-tech research and innovation. As a leading collaborative European research institute, Tyndall is a key actor and hosting partner in the delivery of the 'Chips for Europe Initiative' (EU Chips Act).

Tyndall is Ireland's leading research and innovation organisation and it is the national focal point for excellence in deep-tech research, development and graduate training at the convergence of nanotechnology, microelectronics, photonics, electronics and AI. Tyndall is recognised as an international research leader in semiconductor, chip and digital technologies, particularly as applied to the fields of Information & Communications, Health & Life Sciences, Agritech & Food Security, Energy and Climate Mitigation, emerging fields such as quantum, and novel computing paradigms.

The Institute's key objective is to see frontier research activities having a significant impact on economic development and societal challenges in Ireland, Europe and beyond. Central to Tyndall's mission is delivering economic impact through research excellence in partnership with industry and academia. With an annual turnover of more than €50m, the Institute has a community of over 600 researchers, engineers, support staff, postgraduate students, interns and industry researchers-in-residence.

With significant committed Irish government support, Tyndall will grow to be 1,000 people by 2030, with approximately 750 researchers, including 250 PhD students. A new 17,000 m2 research building is under development adjacent to the Cork headquarters and there are developing plans to expand Tyndall's existing Dublin research labs and to establish other research sites within Ireland.

Tyndall's expansion is also supported by recent national and EU funding wins for significant (M€10's) additional research equipment across a range of areas such as semiconductor processing, microscopy, quantum technologies, heterogeneous integration, ultra-high speed optical communications and RF through THz characterisation.

About the Team

The successful candidate will join a research team working in power electronics, integrated power conversion and high-frequency DC-DC converters. The team conducts research on advanced power-converter technologies, including semiconductor devices, magnetic components, thermal management, modelling and experimental validation for next-generation power conversion applications.

About the Role

This two-year Research Masters project will investigate high-frequency DC-DC power conversion, with a focus on converter modelling, design, optimisation and experimental validation. The student will develop research skills in power electronics through a combination of literature review, simulation, component modelling, hardware development and laboratory testing.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

The student will undertake research activities in high-frequency DC-DC power conversion through modelling, simulation and experimental work. The work will include the study and optimisation of converter performance and the validation of research findings through laboratory measurements.

• Conduct a literature review on high-frequency DC-DC converters, power-conversion technologies and relevant semiconductor and passive-component technologies.
• Develop simulation and analytical models for high-frequency DC-DC converters, including semiconductor devices, magnetic components, losses, efficiency and thermal performance.
• Support the design, development and experimental testing of power-converter hardware; analyse measurement data; and contribute to the publication and dissemination of research outcomes through technical reports, conference/journal papers, presentations and other appropriate research channels.
• Participate and support in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
• Ensure support for and compliance with Tyndall's Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety standards, and other regulations.
• To carry out any additional duties that may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• A primary degree (normally a Bachelor’s degree) in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Power Electronics, Microelectronics or a closely related discipline, at a standard which suitably supports admission to a UCC Research Masters programme.
• Strong fundamentals in power electronics, including DC-DC converter operation, switching devices, passive components and loss/efficiency analysis.

• Ability to use engineering simulation and numerical modelling tools for circuit/system analysis and data processing.
• Ability to undertake practical laboratory support work, including converter prototyping, electrical measurements and safe operation of power-electronics hardware.
• Good analytical, problem-solving and written/oral communication skills, with the ability to work impartially and as part of a research team.

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge or project experience in integrated voltage regulators, point-of-load converters, voltage-regulator modules or AI/HPC power delivery.
• Experience with magnetic-component design or modelling, including inductor sizing, core/winding loss, saturation and thermal constraints.
• Familiarity with semiconductor device characterisation or compact modelling, including MOSFET/GaN conduction and switching losses; experience with a PMIC/semiconductor PDK is advantageous but not required.
• Experience with thermal modelling, finite-element tools, PCB design, or laboratory thermal/electrical characterisation.
• Programming experience (for example Python, MATLAB or equivalent) for optimisation, parameter sweeps, data analysis and model validation.
• Evidence of research communication or dissemination, such as a final-year thesis, technical report, conference presentation, poster, publication, or other scientific/engineering communication.

What We Offer

• A generous tax-free scholarship stipend payment including tuition fees covered.
• 20 days per annum annual leave for full-time research students, in addition to public holidays.
• Full coverage of travel expenses to international conferences to present project outcomes.
• Training and development opportunities are also provided.
• Mardyke Sports Arena Students - free when registered with UCC
• Free Park and Ride Service
• Also see here for more information

Terms of Studentship

Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

Duration: 2 years (Research Masters)

The annual stipend is €25,000.00. In addition, annual tuition fees will be paid by the Tyndall National Institute.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence Dr Yi Dou

The closing date for applications for this position is 1pm, 25th September 2026

Postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency as per UCC regulations (https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/). Certificates should be valid (usually less than 2 years old) and should be uploaded with their application.

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process. The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process. Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on university approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.

Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies. Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.