2 PhD positions on Measuring the Future of Power Electronics

• • Vacancies • 2 PhD positions on Measuring the Future of Power ElectronicsTo vacancy overviewApply now • • • • • EEMCSPhD2 PhD positions on Measuring the Future of Power ElectronicsAre you looking for a challenging PhD position? Develop the sensors and measurement methods needed to make next-generation power electronics more efficient, reliable and sustainable.Apply now • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Jeroen Blok • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Clara Stegehuis • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Eline Meijerink • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Stefano Stramigioli • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Britt Büter • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Ying Wang • • • • • • Key takeaways • Hours 40 hr. • Salary indicationSalary gross/monthly based on full-time € 3,204 - € 4,051 • Deadline 16 Oct 2026 The challenge: Power electronics are central to renewable-energy systems, electric mobility, industrial electrification and modern power grids. New wide-bandgap semiconductor devices based on silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) can switch faster and reduce conversion losses, but their performance is increasingly difficult to measure with sufficient bandwidth, accuracy and traceability. When converter efficiencies exceed 99%, even very small measurement errors can obscure the losses that designers need to understand. Within the EU Chips Joint Undertaking project Moore4Power, the University of Twente will develop new measurement sensors and methods for evaluating advanced power-electronic devices and converters. We are recruiting two PhD researchers who will work as a closely connected team. One position focuses on creating wideband current-sensing technology; the other focuses on sensor characterization and on electrical and calorimetric efficiency measurements. Choose the research direction that fits you: PhD 1 on Wideband current sensors has the primary emphasis of: electromagnetic sensor design, modelling, prototyping and experimental validation. The best fit is A candidate interested in high-frequency measurement techniques, sensor hardware development and precision experimentation. PhD 2 on electrical and calorimetric efficiency measurement has the primary emphasis of: measurement-system design, sensor characterization, uncertainty analysis, converter testing and calorimeter development. The best fit is a candidate interested in measurement science, power conversion, thermal engineering and system-level power electronics evaluation. PhD 1: Wideband current sensors for fast-switching power electronics Fast SiC and GaN switching events occur on extremely short timescales. Measuring them demands sensors with exceptional bandwidth and minimal influence on the power circuit. In this PhD project, you will design, build and validate a new generation of wideband current sensors that can reveal switching behaviour and losses that are difficult to observe with today’s instrumentation. Your research: • Develop current-sensor concepts targeting a bandwidth above 300 MHz and an insertion inductance below 1 nH. • Model the electromagnetic behaviour, parasitic effects, transfer characteristics and limitations of candidate sensor architectures. • Design and fabricate sensor prototypes, including their mechanical integration, shielding, connections and readout interfaces. • Develop experimental methods to determine amplitude response, phase response, time-domain behaviour, linearity and sensitivity to operating conditions. • Characterize and calibrate the sensors in collaboration with VSL, the Dutch National Metrology Institute and a Moore4Power partner. • Demonstrate the sensors in representative SiC and GaN switching circuits and quantify how sensor performance affects switching-loss evaluation. • Publish the scientific results and translate promising concepts into practical measurement solutions for project partners. PhD 2: Traceable efficiency measurement using electrical and thermal methods For a converter operating above 99% efficiency, the losses are small compared with the power being processed. Quantifying these losses reliably therefore requires more than a conventional power measurement. In this PhD project, you will create and validate a measurement framework that combines wideband electrical measurements with a next-generation calorimeter. The result will be a powerful way to understand where losses occur and how confidently they can be measured. Your research: • Characterize wideband voltage and current sensors in both the frequency and time domains, including amplitude, phase, linearity, dynamic behaviour and environmental influences. • Develop calibration and uncertainty-evaluation methods for using these sensors in electrical power and efficiency measurements. • Apply the measurement system to investigate switching behaviour, switching losses and overall efficiency of SiC- and GaN-based converters developed at the University of Twente and by Moore4Power industrial partners. • Design, build and validate a next-generation calorimeter with a novel thermal measurement approach for accurate loss determination. • Combine and compare electrical and calorimetric results to identify systematic effects, improve confidence in the measurements and establish traceable validation routes. • Optimize the methods for realistic converter operating conditions and communicate practical guidance to academic and industrial users. • Publish the scientific results and demonstrate the methods on relevant power-electronic hardware. What the two PhD researchers share: • You will form a closely collaborating research team: the sensor concepts from PhD 1 will inform the measurement applications in PhD 2, while the validation needs from PhD 2 will guide sensor requirements and characterization. • You will work at the interface of measurement science and power electronics, with access to expertise and laboratory facilities at the University of Twente and VSL. • You will collaborate intensively with academic and industrial partners across Europe, including regular project meetings, technical exchanges and work visits. • You will have the freedom and responsibility to shape your research direction, develop advanced experimental skills and contribute to solutions with clear scientific and industrial relevance. Your profileYour profile for PhD 1: • An MSc degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field, with strong experimental academic results. • A solid foundation in analogue electronics, RF or microwave engineering, wideband sensors, or high-frequency measurement techniques. • Hands-on interest in designing, building and debugging new wideband current sensors. • Experience with electromagnetic or circuit simulation, PCB design, vector network analysis or oscilloscope measurements is an advantage. • The ability to combine theoretical modelling with careful laboratory work and quantitative data analysis. Your profile for PhD 2: • An MSc degree in electrical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field, with strong experimental academic results. • A solid foundation in electrical measurement, power electronics, instrumentation or experimental physics. • Interest in both electrical and thermal measurement techniques and in connecting component-level observations to system-level efficiency. • Experience with precision measurements, uncertainty analysis, data acquisition, power converter testing, thermal modelling or calorimetry is an advantage. • The ability to design complex experiments, integrate multiple sensor systems and critically compare independent measurement methods. What we are looking for in both candidates: • You are curious, creative and motivated to solve demanding measurement problems. • You enjoy moving between fundamental understanding, modelling, instrument development and experimental validation. • You work carefully and systematically and are comfortable analysing measurement limitations and uncertainty. • You communicate clearly in English and enjoy working in an international, multidisciplinary team. • You are willing to travel for project meetings, work visits and conferences. Our offer • A fully funded, full-time PhD position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year and an intended start in autumn 2026. • A dynamic research environment with enthusiastic colleagues and close interaction between measurement science and power electronics. • Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU); • You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.204,- (first year) to € 4.051,- (fourth year); • There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme; • A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis. • Free access to sports facilities on campus • A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid); • A tailored training and supervision plan supporting your scientific, technical and professional development. • A working culture that encourages independence, responsibility and close collaboration. Information and application Are you interested in this position? Please apply by 16 October 2026. Include a motivation letter clearly stating whether you apply for PhD 1, PhD 2, or both, and explain why your background and interests match the selected research direction. Please also include a detailed CV, publication list if applicable, contact details of at least two references, and transcripts of your BSc and MSc studies including grades. The selection procedure includes an interview and a short technical presentation. For more information, please contact Prof. dr. ir. Gert Rietveld (gert.rietveld@utwente.nl) or Prof. dr. Thiago Batista Soeiro (t.batistasoeiro@utwente.nl). Screening is part of the selection procedure. Apply nowShare this vacancy • • • • About the organisation The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute. Want to know more?Rietveld, G. (Gert) Full ProfessorRietveld, G. (Gert) Full ProfessorDo you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Gert for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.ContactPhone:+31534898036Email:g.rietveld@utwente.nl How to applyStep 1Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.Apply nowStep 2Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.Step 31st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.Step 42nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.Step 5The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening. Your Colleagues • Rietveld, G. (Gert)Personal page • Batista Soeiro, T. (Thiago)Personal page • Hannink, E.M. (Lillian)Personal page About the faculty EEMCSCurious about what the faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) stands for? Check out the EEMCS website for more information.Go to the EEMCS websiteA job that mattersCreate new opportunities for yourself, your colleagues and our society. 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