PhD Position on Next-Generation GaN Power Modules

Irène Curie Fellowship

No

Department(s)

Electrical Engineering

Reference number

V36.6273

In this project, you will integrate GaN-technology into the next-generation power modules featuring state-of-the-art efficiency and power density. Our goal is to reach ultra-high switching frequencies through advanced modulation, control and high levels of integration and optimization. Advancing the limits of modern technology, these modules should pave the road towards future power converters with extreme performance.

Compared to Silicon ‘Si’ based semiconductors, Gallium Nitride ‘GaN’ offers superior performance. This performance difference is partially due to the higher electron mobility in the 2DEG layer resulting in a low channel resistance while significantly reducing the semiconductor size. As a result of the smaller size, the gate and output capacitances are also significantly smaller allowing fast switching and operation at multi-MHz switching frequencies. As a drawback, integration of these GaN semiconductors into a power converter also poses challenges for the designer due to the highly in-depth knowledge and skills to obtain an optimal design. The performance of the power stage depends on several factors such as the power loop routing, cooling concept, converter topology, modulation strategy and many more. The goal of the project is to develop a GaN-based power module building block to help designers reduce the design time while achieving state-of-the-art performance.

Within this project, the Power Electronics lab at the Eindhoven University of Technology is looking for a talented PhD-candidate. In this position you will work on the Gallium Nitride ‘GaN’ based power module building block and investigate the inherent trade-offs to obtain a state-of-the-art power converter. For the power module building block to be interesting for industry partners, it must also include protection circuitry for reliability and fast measurement possibilities to integrate controllers into the design. You can unleash and develop your innovative and creative qualities to research, develop, implement, and validate the state-of-the-art GaN-based power module. If the power module proves to be successful, several industry partners are interested in applying the technology into their products.

You will work together with a PostDoc in the Electromechanics and Power Electronics group and several companies, which allows you to exchange knowledge and to broaden your network. Additionally, presenting your findings and ideas to the scientific community is an essential part of your work, for which there are extensive travel possibilities.

Power electronics lab

This project will be carried out in the Power Electronics lab in the faculty of Electrical Engineering. The lab is world-leading in high-precision and high-performance power converters, as well as modeling, control and design techniques for such converters. Both fundamental and applied research is carried out and research collaborations with industrial partners are numerous. We are a young, dynamic and enthusiastic team, underlined by our regularly organized events and informal atmosphere.

We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic colleague with a MSc-degree in electrical engineering, with a strong affinity with power electronics, the realization thereof, state-of-the-art digital control, and mathematics. The candidate should have:

• Enthusiasm and motivation to work on highly challenging research topics, and the talent to contribute to the progress of science and technology.
• Experience in power electronics and analog design.
• Strong programming skills (MATLAB, C, VHDL).
• Strong analytical and research capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to independently organize his/her own work, to solve problems, to achieve the desired goals and to cooperate.
• Work experience in an industrial environment is a plus.
• Project management skills are a plus.
• Ability to participate in the teaching process in BSc and MSc programs (both taught in English).
• Good scientific writing and documentation skills.
• Strong command of the English language, knowledge of Dutch language is a plus.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process .
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager dr.ir. Bas Vermulst, b.j.d.vermulst[at]tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services Flux, HRServices.flux[at]tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page .

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.