Nonlinear modeling and optimization of reconfigurable GaN-HEMT oscillator–rectifier circuits fo[...]

University of Antwerp; Italia; On-site; EUR 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

The BiWPT Doctoral Network on Bidirectional Wireless Power Transfer for Next-Generation Electric Mobility invites applications for a PhD position at the University of Bologna. The project trains experts to tackle bidirectional WPT challenges and vehicle-grid integration with novel circuit designs and CAD tools.

The selected candidate will design GaN-HEMT based circuits, participate in two secondments, submit progress reports, and prepare a doctoral thesis while publishing results in scientific

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field is required or in final year.
• Excellent academic record and ability to enroll in a PhD program.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Strong motivation for interdisciplinary and intersectoral training.
• Eligibility to enrol in the host institution PhD program.

Responsibilities

• Design reconfigurable GaN-HEMT circuits for bidirectional WPT systems.
• Exploit time-reversal duality to achieve efficient power operation.
• Develop models for nonlinear FET-like devices and validate experimentally.
• Participate in academic and industrial secondments and report progress.
• Prepare a doctoral thesis and publish related scientific articles.

Skills

English proficiency

Teamwork

Interdisciplinary training

Motivation and commitment

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering / Electronic Engineering / Communications / Mechatronics / Applied Physics

Job description

Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi"

Organisation/Company University of Bologna Department Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi" 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 Italy 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 of reconfigurable GaN-HEMT-based circuits for bidirectional wireless power transfer (WPT) systems, exploiting the time-reversal duality between oscillators and synchronous rectifiers to achieve comparable efficiency in power generation and rectification modes. The DC will target MHz-range operation and will include the development of accurate empirical models for nonlinear FET-like devices, with particular focus on third-quadrant I–V characterization to predict operation under negative drain–source voltages. Analytical and nonlinear CAD-based design methodologies for bidirectional WPT systems will be developed, followed by the implementation and experimental validation of the most promising circuit topologies, assessing key performance metrics such as conversion efficiency in both operating regimes.

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.
• Having earned an MSc’s degree no more than 6 years ago and meeting the admission requirements by the application deadline.
• 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.