Doctoral student in thermal packaging solutions for future communication and sensor systems

Organisation/Company

Chalmers University of Technology

Research Field

Engineering » Communication engineering
Engineering » Electrical engineering
Engineering » Materials engineering
Engineering » Mechanical engineering
Engineering » Other
Physics » Electromagnetism
Physics » Thermodynamics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Application Deadline

31 Jul 2026 - 21:59 (UTC)

Country

Sweden

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Are you excited about shaping the next generation of wireless communication and sensing technologies? As a PhD student at Chalmers, you will conduct cutting-edge research in thermal design, advanced semiconductor technologies, and innovative packaging solutions for high-performance RF and mmWave systems.

About us 

At the Microwave Electronics Laboratory , we focus on application driven research on high-speed electronic components, circuits and systems for future communication and remote sensing applications. The research spans frequencies from below 1 GHz to 500 GHz. Our main research areas are within wireless high speed digital communication, sensors such as radar systems and radiometers, and microwave heating. We demonstrate innovative microwave components and circuits in our own fabrication lab, the Nanofabrication Laboratory at MC2, or at external cooperation partners/foundries. We characterize our components and circuits in our measurement laboratory.

About the research project  

Future wireless communication, radar, and sensing systems require electronics that deliver higher power, greater energy efficiency, and increased integration. This project focuses on developing advanced thermal packaging solutions for GaN-based RF and mmWave electronics, where heat management is critical for performance and reliability. The research combines thermal characterization, modeling, microwave design, and additive manufacturing to create innovative packaging concepts that integrate both thermal and electromagnetic functions in compact, high-performance systems.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a self-driven and highly motivated PhD candidate with a strong interest in solving system-level engineering challenges. The ideal candidate enjoys working across disciplinary boundaries at the intersection of electronics, physics, thermal engineering, and advanced materials, and is eager to contribute to the development of next-generation wireless communication and sensing systems.

The following requirements are mandatory:

• To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must hold a Master's degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a closely related field. For applicants with an education earned outside Sweden, a four-year Bachelor's degree may be considered equivalent.
• A strong interest in electronics, semiconductor devices, heat transfer, thermal management, and/or computational modeling.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to understand and address complex engineering challenges.
• Ability and motivation to work both experimentally and theoretically, combining simulations, measurements, and data analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

*for students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor’s degree is accepted. 

Personal qualities are of great importance for this position. We are looking for a curious and ambitious candidate who enjoys learning new skills and tackling multidisciplinary research challenges. You should be able to work independently, take initiative, and contribute effectively to collaborative projects involving colleagues, industrial partners, and international research teams. A structured approach to research, strong communication skills, and the ability to translate scientific findings into practical engineering solutions are highly valued.

The following experience will strengthen your application: 

• Experience with thermal modeling and simulation tools such as COMSOL Multiphysics, ANSYS, CFD software, or equivalent.
• Experience in RF, microwave, or mmWave engineering.
• Experience with measurement techniques, laboratory work, and experimental characterization of electronic devices or systems.
• Programming experience in MATLAB, Python, or similar scientific computing environments.
• Knowledge of semiconductor devices, electronic packaging, reliability analysis, or heat transfer.
• Experience with additive manufacturing, advanced materials, or multiphysics simulations.
• Previous research experience through thesis work, publications, industrial R&D projects, or other advanced engineering projects.

What you will do

• Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of Microtechnology and Nanoscience.
• Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing 
• The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hours

Contract terms  

• The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start. 
• The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years. 
• A starting salary of 35,725 SEK per month (valid from May 1, 2026). 
• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn. 

What we offer 

• As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about  working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees. 
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg . 
• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.  

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence . We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities. 

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here .  

Application procedure 

The application should be written in English and attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files. 

CV 

Personal letter 

• A brief introduction about yourself. 
• A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position. 

Bachelor’s and, if available, master’s thesis together with the transcripts. 

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview. 

We welcome your application no later than July 31, 2026 

For questions, please contact:  

Dan Kuylenstierna
Associate Professor 
[email protected]  

We look forward to your application! 

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***  

 Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society. 
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward. 

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!

Website

https://academicpositions.com/ad/chalmers-university-of-technology/2026/doctora…

Research Field

Engineering

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Engineering

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Engineering

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Engineering

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Engineering

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Physics

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Physics

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Website for additional job details

https://academicpositions.com

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Chalmers University of Technology

Country

Sweden

City

Gothenburg

Postal Code

412 58

Street

Maskingränd 2

City

Gothenburg

Website

https://www.chalmers.se/en/

Postal Code

412 58

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