Postdoc in Accurate magnetic loss measurements for electrical machines enabling reduced heavy rare-earth material utilization

Chalmers University of Technology; Göteborgs kommun; In loco; SEK 520.000 - 640.000; Tempo pieno

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Descrizione del lavoro

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg invites applications for a two-year, full-time postdoctoral position in the Division of Electric Power Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering.

The project focuses on improving loss prediction in soft magnetic materials for electric drives by developing reprogrammable converter emulators and integrating a power-electronic rig (Imperix system) into our test facilities.

Competenze

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Engineering physics or equivalent, completed by decision date.
• Doctoral degree obtained within last three years is highly meritorious.
• Strong English written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience testing soft magnetic materials for loss determination and modeling.
• Experience developing test equipment for soft magnetic materials is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and cooperate with others.
• Some Swedish communication ability or willingness to learn Swedish.

Mansioni

• Advance knowledge of loss determination for soft magnetic components under PWM supply.
• Develop and integrate a reconfigurable test rig using the Imperix system.
• Upgrade magnetic characterisation setups for power electronics integration.
• Publish results in journals and conferences.
• Supervise master's/PhD students and engage in teaching.

Conoscenze

PhD in Electrical Engineering

English communication

Project management

Lab testing experience

Formazione

PhD in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Strumenti

Imperix system

Magnetic loss testing equipment

Descrizione del lavoro

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join our team at the Division of Electric Power Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering. Become part of our innovative group and contribute to exciting research within electric power engineering within a collaborative and dynamic environment.

About Us

At the Department of Electrical Engineering, approximately 240 employees, including PhD students, conduct research and education in the areas of Communication and Antenna Systems, Systems and Control, Signal Processing and Biomedical Engineering, and Electric Power Engineering. We address challenges that are important for creating a sustainable future.

The Division of Electric Power Engineering has approximately 60 employees, about half of whom are PhD students, and conducts research across a broad range of topics in electric power technology. Electrification will play a major role in achieving a sustainable future. Research activities at the division can be organised into four main areas: power systems, power electronics, electric machines, and high voltage engineering. The strength of our research is based on a solid theoretical foundation combined with extensive experimental verification in our laboratories and in the field. Our goal is to enhance the knowledge base on electrical systems for renewable energy, vehicles, buildings, and industrial applications.

About The Research Project

While electric motors are highly efficient, they are still the most lossy components in the electric drivetrain of an electrified vehicle. The transition to climate-neutral transport technology requires precise optimisation of drive units, and particularly of the electric machine.

A critical hurdle is the inability to develop purely physics-based theoretical models of the iron materials used in electrical machines. Instead, modelling must rely on laboratory material testing, which does not accurately match the losses and magnetic performance observed under real-world operating conditions.

Pulse-width modulation (PWM) from power electronic inverters, which is the technology used to create the waveforms needed for an electric vehicle propulsion machine, introduces high-frequency harmonics that severely exacerbate magnetic core losses in electrical steel.

Because no reconfigurable method exists to physically test actual PWM waveforms on these materials, industry is forced to rely on oversimplified theoretical correction factors that lack a physical foundation, resulting in suboptimal motor designs. Typically, an additional 70–100% in losses must be added to empirical parameterisations based on IEC standard test samples in order to come close to the real losses.

This postdoctoral project aims to improve the accuracy of loss prediction by providing a robust empirical foundation. By developing reprogrammable converter emulators for electrical steel testing, the project will provide the precise physical data needed for accurate magnetic loss computation and thus contribute to research aimed at achieving highly efficient and sustainable transport systems.

Who We Are Looking For

• A candidate with a doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering physics or an equivalent subject background. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• It is highly meritorious if the doctoral degree has been obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Experience in testing of soft magnetic materials for loss determination and magnetic field versus magnetic flux properties. Theory modelling skills in the subject is also a vital demand. Ability to drive a project independently is also vital
• A benefit is if the applicant has experience in developing test equipment for testing of soft magnetic materials.
• Although ability to work independent is highly important, the ability to cooperate with other researchers is required.
• Ability to communicate to some extent in Swedish is also an advantage, and an interest to learn Swedish is a prerequisite.

You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.

What You Will Do

• You will, in this postdoctoral project, advance knowledge of loss determination in soft magnetic components in the presence of PWM supply. At Chalmers, equipment is available that can characterise magnetic losses under standard sinusoidal excitation across different specimens. The next step is to implement a reconfigurable test rig to emulate power electronics supply, as hardware limitations have previously restricted testing to very narrow conditions. A power electronic rig (Imperix system) has recently been acquired, and the idea is to integrate this system into the electro steel testing facilities. Using the proposed methodology and the Imperix B-Box, an advanced rapid-prototyping controller, you will upgrade the existing magnetic characterisation setups to control external power electronic converters.
• Publish the result in high-ranked journals as well as at conferences.
• Supervise master’s and/or PhD students to a certain extent
• Have the opportunity to engage in teaching at undergraduate/master’s level.

The position is meritorious for future roles in academia, industry, or the public sector.

Contract terms

The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension.

The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.

What We Offer

• As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and ourbenefits for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

We welcome your application no later than November 6, 2026.

For Questions, Please Contact

Torbjörn Thiringer

Professor

[e-mail] [phone]

Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position.***

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.

Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.