"PhD position on design of magnetic components for power electronic converters"

Location:

KU Leuven / ESAT / ELECTA, Belgium

Position:

PhD Researcher in Power Electronics for Electromobility Applications

Job Reference:

(ref. BAP-2025-102)

Last Modified:

12/02/25

Job Description:

The ELECTA research group at KU Leuven, which is part of EnergyVille (a collaboration between KU Leuven, VITO, imec, and UHasselt), focuses on a broad spectrum of research in power systems, power electronics, and energy management. ELECTA's expertise spans across areas such as power system operation and control, distributed control and optimization, and energy markets, with a specific focus on smart grids for the last 15+ years. The group also collaborates with various industry players and is a key partner in InnoEnergy, with a focus on Intelligent Energy Efficient Buildings and Cities.

This PhD project is part of a research initiative called "Design automation of magnetic components towards ultra-compact power converters for electromobility applications," addressing the increasing demand for energy-efficient power electronics in electromobility. The goal is to develop advanced power loss models for magnetic components used in high-frequency (HF) power conversion systems with wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors. The research will focus on combining experimental procedures with numerical simulations to address challenges related to high-frequency switching and the need for volume reduction (miniaturization).

The PhD researcher will be part of the ELECTA research group and EnergyVille, contributing to the development of digital twins for magnetic components, model order reduction, and AI-based algorithms to improve power electronics design.

Responsibilities:

• Develop advanced power loss models for magnetic components in HF power conversion systems.
• Combine experimental procedures with numerical simulations to improve component design for electromobility.
• Use finite element software, Matlab/Simulink, and other tools to model and simulate the behavior of magnetic components.
• Develop AI-based algorithms for model order reduction and optimization in power electronics design.
• Work collaboratively within the ELECTA and EnergyVille teams, contributing to interdisciplinary research.

Profile:

• Education: A Master's degree in electromechanical engineering, energy engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematical engineering, computer science, or data science.
• Skills:
• Proficiency in software tools (e.g., Python, Julia, finite element software, Matlab/Simulink).
• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently, with initiative and teamwork skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with fluency in English (speaking, listening, and writing).
• Experience in numerical simulation methods and a strong interest in power electronics is highly desirable.

Offer:

• A four-year doctoral scholarship, with the possibility of earning a PhD in Engineering Science upon successful completion.
• The opportunity to work on cutting-edge research at EnergyVille and within the ELECTA group.
• Access to state-of-the-art technologies and facilities, including research collaborations with industry partners.
• An international research environment, with opportunities to present at conferences and expand your professional network.
• A flexible working culture, including up to 40% remote work.
• Additional benefits like health insurance and access to university sports facilities.

Interested?

For more information, please contact:

• Prof. Dr. Ruth Vazquez Sabariego
• Phone: +32 16 32 88 91
• Email: ruth.sabariego@kuleuven.be
• Prof. Dr. Wilmar Martinez Martinez
• Phone: +32 16 32 52 31
• Email: wilmar.martinez@kuleuven.be

To apply, please submit:

• A motivation letter outlining your research interests and previous experience.
• CV
• Relevant transcripts.
• Application Deadline:
• April 30, 2025

KU Leuven’s Commitment to Diversity:

KU Leuven promotes an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe environment. We celebrate diversity and ensure open dialogue, recognizing that differences in perspective contribute to our ambitious research and educational environment. KU Leuven is committed to equal opportunities and does not accept any form of discrimination, based on factors such as gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin color, religious diversity, neurodivergence, disability, or socioeconomic status.

If you have questions about accessibility or require support, please contact apply@kuleuven.be.