PhD Student

Job description

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities.

With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

Electrical Machines and Power Electronics research team, Ghent University, Belgium

Phd position : Next-generation highly-efficient integrated axial flux motor drives for electric vehicles

YOUR JOB

In 2009, research on axial flux permanent magnet synchronous machines started. Since then, a dozen of doctoral theses have been completed on this research, resulting in approximately 70 international conferences and in journal papers, and several patents. Meanwhile, four generations of prototypes have been developed, and there is a technology license with one of the key players in the axial flux motor technology.

For the fifth generation of axial flux permanent magnet synchronous machines, the goal is to enhance the sustainability of the axial flux motor by limiting critical materials in the design. Specifically, in the fifth generation, the copper winding will be replaced with an aluminum-based one, and the rotor design will be adjusted to reduce the use of rare earth permanent magnets.

As a PhD student, your task will be to modify the design of the electrical machine to achieve the predefined motor key performance indicators (torque density, efficiency, cost). The research will introduce and simulate new concepts and further improve and adapt existing design tools for axial flux motors. Additionally, a new prototype will be built to implement and validate these new concepts. You will take part in the daily operation of the research group and participate in collaborative research with industrial and academic partners. Furthermore, you will publish your research results at major international conferences and in journal papers, as part of meeting the requirements for your Ph.D.

For more information see https://www.ugent.be/ea/emsme/en/research/eelab/drivesystems/overview.htm

Job profile

We are looking for highly creative and motivated Ph.D. students with the following qualifications and skills.

• You have (or will obtain in the next months) a (European) master’s degree in Electrical or Electromechanical Engineering or equivament, with excellent ('honors'-level) grades.
• You have a strong background in electrical machines (design and control).
• You are familiar with finite element modelling.
• Experience with prototyping (CAD, manufacturing techniques, …) and testing.
• Knowledge of power electronics and thermodynamics (motor cooling) is an asset.
• You have analytical skills to interpret the obtained research results.
• You are a team player and have strong communication skills.
• Your English is fluent, both speaking and writing.

What we can offer you

• We offer the opportunity to do full-time research in an international and a friendly working environment.
• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by the Department of Personnel and Organization based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits (in Dutch).

How to apply

Send your application by email to Hendrik Vansompel (Hendrik.Vansompel@UGent.be), indicating “Job Application: AFSM5” in the subject. Applications should include (1) an academic/professional resume, (2) a short motivation letter and (3) transcripts of study results. After a first screening, selected candidates will be invited for an interview (also possible via Teams).
Application deadline: continuous evaluation until the vacancy is filled.