PhD Studentship in Electronic Engineering

About This Project

This opportunity is based within the Power Electronics and Machines Control Research Institute of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham, which conducts cutting-edge research into power electronics for energy management and decarbonisation.

Vision

We are seeking a PhD student who is motivated and passionate about the design and control of power electronics technologies that make real-world impact.

The goal is to contribute to technological advances that enable:

• Compact energy systems
• Reliable energy management
• Economical power solutions

Motivation

This PhD focuses on the development of next-generation power electronics in the form of Solid-State Transformers (SSTs), which are expected to play a key role in future electricity networks.

Applications include:

• High-power EV charging systems
• Data centres
• Renewable energy integration
• Energy storage systems

Aim of the Project

The project aims to investigate modern power electronics in multi-cellular converters to form Solid-State Transformer systems.

Key tasks include:

• Studying current state-of-the-art SST topologies and control strategies
• Developing new control techniques for emerging energy demands
• Designing systems suitable for:
  • High-power EV charging
  • Data centres
  • Renewable energy integration

You will work with:

• Dr Alan Watson
• Dr Tabish Mir
• Prof Pat Wheeler

at the University of Nottingham’s Power Electronics and Machines Centre (PEMC), a purpose-built £18M facility at Jubilee Campus.

The institute is globally recognised in power electronics research.

The project is also supported by Siemens AG, with additional leadership from Dr Gopal Mondal at the Erlangen facility.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for candidates with:

Essential

• First-class (UK equivalent) undergraduate degree in Electrical and/or Electronics Engineering
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills
• Passion for research and willingness to learn
• Good communication, presentation, and writing skills

Desirable

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering (especially power electronics or electric drives), preferably with distinction
• Knowledge of MATLAB/Simulink or PLECS
• Coding and hardware experience

Funding Support

After a suitable candidate is identified, funding will be sought through a competitive process.

Funding includes:

• Home tuition fees
• UKRI stipend
• £5,500/year top-up from industry partner

Research Environment

The Faculty of Engineering provides a strong research culture and community, including:

• Postgraduate Engineering Society (PGES)
• PGR research group representatives
• Researcher Academy training programmes
• Bespoke Engineering PhD training (writing, networking, career development)

Equality and Inclusion

The university actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Application

For application process information, contact: Dona Astill