Marie-Curie (MSCA) PhD Position: Optimal combination of insulation and thermal management for m[...]

Marie‑Curie (MSCA) PhD Position: Optimal combination of insulation and thermal management for magnetic components (Magnify DC14)

Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader in electrification, powering a sustainable energy future with innovative power grid technologies with digital at the core. Over three billion people depend on our technologies to power their daily lives.

KU Leuven, located in Belgium, is among the top European universities, ranked as the top university in the Reuters ranking of Europe’s most innovative universities. KU Leuven is a research‑intensive, international university that performs both basic and applied research and is highly interdisciplinary.

Responsibilities

This work focuses on exploring various insulation methods and materials for high‑power solid‑state transformers (SSTs), with the objective of optimizing power density while ensuring compliance with relevant safety and performance standards. The study will investigate both traditional and advanced insulation techniques, including dry/air insulation and resin impregnation, assessing their suitability for high‑voltage, high‑frequency environments typical of SST applications. Special attention will be given to the thermal performance of these insulation systems, as effective heat dissipation is critical for maintaining long‑term reliability and efficiency.

International Collaboration

The candidate will undertake secondments to:

• HIT (Switzerland) – Prior‑art review, concept definition and development of insulation rules (Month 9–10).
• KUL (Belgium) – Work on innovative insulation methods for high‑power transformers (Month 18–20).
• ULB (Belgium) – Empirical studies on thermal management in magnetic components (Month 29–31).

Qualifications

• Hold a master’s degree in electrical engineering, applied physics, computer science or a related field, with outstanding academic achievements (top 5%) and a Master’s degree with grade “cum laude” or similar high distinction.
• Knowledge of power electronics and thermal aspects is an asset.
• Skill in modelling, simulation and programming (e.g. MATLAB, Ansys).
• Experience with laboratory equipment, prototyping and testing is considered an asset.
• Strong commitment to safe work practices and adherence to relevant workplace safety guidelines.
• High level of self‑motivation, curiosity and desire to learn about modern technologies.
• Eager to work in a collaborative international environment.
• Excellent proficiency in English (speaking, listening and writing); minimum IELTS 6.5.
• Must comply with the mobility rule: you must not have resided or carried out your main activity in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before recruitment.

Benefits

These positions are related to a MSCA Doctoral Network project, fully funded by the European Commission. We offer:

• Contract of employment for 36 months.
• Monthly salary of 10 900 PLN gross, including living allowance and mobility allowance for private purposes, and full insurance.
• Family allowance, if applicable.
• Support in the work permit and visa process – if applicable.
• Relocation package for foreigners after signing a contract of employment – if applicable.
• Secondments and workshops fully funded by EU funds.
• Extra benefits such as private medical care, additional life insurance, one‑time home office allowance, and more.
• Annual performance bonus.
• Specialized doctoral training to boost your expertise.
• Opportunities to collaborate in groundbreaking interdisciplinary research and participate in international conferences.
• Access to advanced laboratory facilities and the latest technological innovations.
• Collaboration with a global R&D organization and colleagues from around the world.