Job opportunity
The Laboratory for High Power Electronic Systems (HPE) at the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering of ETH Zurich conducts internationally leading research on power electronic converter systems. These systems are essential in future energy distribution systems for integrating renewable energy sources and for traction applications such as electric vehicles. Additionally, we focus on solid-state pulse modulators for medical applications, including computer tomography and cancer treatment, as well as for accelerators like CERN. To support a new research project focused on highly efficient power supplies for facility automation, we are seeking a:
We are looking for highly motivated individuals with an outstanding academic background who are interested in pursuing a PhD in the research area of converter topologies and modulation strategies for low-power DC supplies that achieve very high efficiency across an ultra-wide range of input voltages. Such supply systems are crucial for applications involving actuators and sensors in facility automation, where converters may operate primarily in standby mode or at relatively low loads, with full output power needed only during short operational peaks.
The global energy consumption of these typically low-power supplies is significant, and enhancing their efficiency at low power levels can lead to substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from facility automation.
Your responsibilities will include developing innovative converter concepts for AC/DC power supplies with ultra-wide input voltage ranges, ensuring high efficiency even under low output power conditions. Subsequently, you will create multi-physics models of relevant components to optimize the performance of these new converter concepts. Integration of these models into computationally efficient optimization procedures for power electronic converter systems will enable comprehensive efficiency optimizations across diverse conditions. These models will also contribute to ongoing developments in our modeling framework at HPE, allowing collaboration with other PhD candidates on various modeling aspects. Additionally, you will validate the models and optimization outcomes by designing and operating various test setups and prototype systems in collaboration with an industry partner. Finally, you will explore the potential for integrating novel converter concepts into power integrated circuits for enhanced functionality and long-term cost reduction.
Join an inspiring environment that promotes innovation and collaboration at one of the world’s leading technical universities.
ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity, valuing diversity, and fostering a working environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn about our commitment to a fair and open environment. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we are consistently working toward a climate-neutral future.
We look forward to your online application using the form below. Please include the following documents:
Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology, renowned for its excellent education and cutting-edge research. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and an inspiring environment for excellence. Anchored in the heart of Europe, we collaborate to create solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.