Doctoral Researcher in Power Electronics (DSII) / Väitöskirjatutkija, Tehoelektroniikka (DSII)

Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our universities community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. www.tuni.fi/en

The Doctoral School of Industry Innovations (DSII) at Tampere University (TAU) explores research questions that are directly relevant for industry and business. Tampere University hires a Doctoral Researcher to complete a four-year, company-sponsored dissertation project under the joint supervision of a university professor and a company representative.

The partner company for this position is ABB, a leading global technology company that electrifies industry and transportation with the aim to decarbonize them. Its converters power variable speed drives, electric vehicle charging stations, wind turbines and locomotives. DSII offers Doctoral Researchers a unique opportunity to undertake dissertation research, gain a thorough understanding of product development, tackle real-world business challenges and expand their professional networks. The position is placed in the Electrical Engineering Unit in the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences. 

Job description

The purpose of the job is to create new knowledge for academia and industry in the field of power electronics. The goals are:

1. Development of optimal modulation methods for medium-voltage variable speed drive systems.
2. Development of software tools that will facilitate the previous goal.

As a Doctoral Researcher you will first develop and test the modulation methods in a simulation environment such as Matlab. In a second step, the methods will be implemented in a hardware-in-the-loop simulator. Finally, they will be run on a low-voltage lab prototype. The results will be disseminated in scientific peer-reviewed journals, international conferences, doctoral network events and events with industry.

At the university, the work will be supervised by Associate Professor Dr. Petros Karamanakos, while the company’s supervisor will be Dr. Tobias Geyer. You will also be supported by practitioners in the steering committee, including company representatives.

The tasks of all Doctoral Researchers may include teaching duties that amount to approximately 5% of their annual working hours, unless there are justified reasons to the contrary.

By participating in DSII events, excursions, meetings and training sessions with your fellow doctoral students, you will both get and provide peer support and make your own contribution to the development of DSII.

Requirements

You need to have an applicable higher university degree in electrical engineering, or a related discipline in science or engineering. A strong interest in mathematics, optimization (e.g., mathematical optimization methods with a focus on nonconvex optimization) and machine learning is very important. Moreover, experience in at least one of the following is highly appreciated: power electronics (power converters, variable speed drive systems), modulation methods (space vector modulation, optimized pulse patterns), control (modern control theory, optimal control), embedded programming, and microprocessors. You also need to have an inquiring mind, enjoy problem-solving and be able to think independently while also being able to work in a team. A good command of English, both in writing and in oral presentations, is required.

Successful candidates must be pursuing or should be accepted to study towards a doctoral degree in computing and electrical engineering. Please visit here for more information on eligibility requirements.

What we offer

The position will be filled for a fixed-term period of four (4) years, commencing in January 2025 or as soon after that as possible. A trial period of six (6) months applies to all our new employees.

The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee’s personal performance in accordance with the salary system of Finnish universities. According to the criteria applied to teaching and research staff, the position of a Doctoral Researcher is placed on level 2–4 of the job requirements scale. A typical starting salary for Doctoral Researchers is approximately 2700 EUR/month and it will increase during the studies depending on the progress (up to about 3500 EUR/month).

We are inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, active and truly international research community. Our research group “Power Electronic Systems” at the Electrical Engineering Unit, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences of the Tampere University focuses on the development of modulation and control techniques for power electronic systems. We work at the intersection of power electronics, optimal control and modulation, mathematical programming, and embedded systems. Our vision is to develop software solutions that fully utilize the capability of the power electronic hardware by operating the system close to its physical limits, with main applications being variable speed drives and grid-connected converters.

The University has a strong commitment to the highest level of scientific research and the provision of high-quality doctoral education. The faculty as well as the Doctoral School of Industry Innovations support the doctoral students by offering training and peer support. Doctoral students in DSII develop a strong set of skills, enabling them to conduct agile, customer-oriented research, development and business. The University offers a wide range of staff benefits, such as occupational health care, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities on campus and several restaurants and cafes on campus with staff discounts. Please read more about working at Tampere University.

Tampere is one of the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries and offers a dynamic living environment. Tampere region is one of the three most rapidly growing urban areas in Finland and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society. For more information on Tampere, please visit here.

Finland provides one of the most advanced and comprehensive social security in the world. It includes for example sickness benefits, various family benefits and a comprehensive healthcare system. For more information on Finland, please check InfoFinland and This is Finland.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is August 1, 2024 (23:59 EEST / UTC +3). Please write your application and all the accompanying documentation in English and attach them in PDF format.

Please attach only the following documents to your application:

• A letter of motivation and description of your research interests (max. 1 A4 page)
• Curriculum vitae according to the TENK template (including the contact details of two referees)
• List of publications
• Copy of your master’s and bachelor’s degree certificates, including transcripts of all university records.  

For further information, please contact:

Associate Professor Pertos Karamanakos, petros.karamanakos (at) tuni.fi

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 Tampereen yliopisto ja Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu muodostavat yhdessä Suomen toiseksi suurimman monitieteisen, innostavan ja vaikuttavan tutkimus- ja oppimisyhteisön. Korkeakouluyhteisömme osaamiskärjet ovat tekniikka, terveys ja yhteiskunta. Lue lisää: www.tuni.fi

Tampereen yliopistossa on haettavana Väitöskirjatutkija, Tehoelektroniikka (DSII) -tehtävä.

Teollisuuden innovaatioiden tohtorikoulu (DSII) on ainutlaatuinen tapa yhdistää väitöskirjatutkimus, yritysten liiketoimintahaasteiden ratkaiseminen, ammatillisten verkostojen luominen ja innovaatiotyöhön perehtyminen. Tampereen yliopisto palkkaa väitöskirjatutkijan neljäksi vuodeksi projektiin, jonka rahoitukseen yritys osallistuu

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