Postdoctoral Fellow in Electromechanical Engineering

Ghent University

Overview

• Department: TW08 - Department of Electromechanical, Systems and Metal Engineering
• Occupancy rate: 100%
• Vacancy type: Research staff
• Application deadline: September 30, 2026, 23:59

About Ghent University

Ghent University is a top 100 university worldwide and one of the major universities in Belgium, with more than 44,000 students and 15,000 staff members. The Energy & Systems Laboratory (EnSy) at UGent is involved in a Flanders Make research project IMVEP, with a duration of 4 years.

Your Tasks

The IMVEP project focuses on multilevel inverters for applications with high DC bus voltages (up to 1200 V). The objectives include:

• Improving overall system efficiency (inverter + electric motor)
• Increasing the continuous power density of the electric motor
• Investigating the possibility of eliminating sine-wave filters required for conventional 2-level inverters

Within this multi-partner project, EnSy will specifically focus on the T-type (3-level) inverter topology. The goal is to simulate, build, and experimentally validate an inverter for a 100 kW, 20,000 rpm motor.

As a PhD student, you will:

• Contribute to the simulation and modeling of the inverter and its integration with the electric motor
• Design, build, and debug the inverter PCBs
• Implement the control software on a rapid prototyping platform
• Develop a safe test setup and carry out experimental measurements on the inverter

What We Are Looking For

• Master of Science in Engineering (Technology), preferably in electromechanical or electrical engineering
• Motivated, creative, with a passion for academic research
• Affinity with both experimental research and simulation software
• Strong technical knowledge and hands-on experience in power electronics
• Additional knowledge of electric motor design and control of electric machines is an asset
• Good communication skills in English
• Interest in challenging scientific research in a multidisciplinary and international context

What We Can Offer You

• Full-time position as a doctoral fellow, initially 12 months, extendable to a maximum of 48 months after positive evaluation
• Fellowship amount: 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. Fellowship is tax-free under regulations for doctoral fellowships
• Benefits include:
  • Wide range of training and education opportunities
  • 36 days of annual holiday leave plus fixed bridge days
  • Bicycle allowance and eco vouchers
• Work location: Electrical Energy Laboratory, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park, Zwijnaarde

Interested?

Applications may be sent by email to:

• Hendrik.Vansompel@UGent.be
• Peter.Sergeant@ugent.be

Include: cover letter and CV (reference letters not required at application stage).

• Suitable candidates will be invited for an interview and may receive a small assignment
• Flexible starting date, preference to start as soon as possible
• For more information about the PhD topic, contact: Hendrik.Vansompel@UGent.be

Application deadline: September 30, 2026