The Power Electronics and Electromagnetic Compatibility Group within the department Electrical Engineering has a vacancy for a PhD researcher to work in the EU Horizon 2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Project PARASOL - European Doctoral Network for Safe and Sustainable ElectroMagnetic Shielding Solutions for Mobility.

PARASOL is a European funded Marie Sklodowska-Curie project, with partners from the Netherlands, Belgium, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Poland and Spain. Each of the 12 Doctoral Researchers (DRs) will be trained to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with a new mindset tuned towards the inclusion of the Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) approach into innovative design methods. For this inclusion to occur, each DR will develop through their research the missing dedicated tools and techniques, and apply them to the complete lifecycle of electromagnetic shielding solutions for vehicles (car, plane, train and ship). This hands-on training is supplemented with several scientific professional courses and an immersive training where the DRs can fine-tune their skills for the Jobs of tomorrow, while addressing the societal challenges of the PARASOL program.

The Project: Interconnects characterization

Objectives: This task is about investigating the shielding effectiveness (SE) of real complex 3D structures like boxes, enclosures, and (parts of) cars, planes or ships. The currently used, simplified techniques are based on flat-panel structures, while the most critical aspect of SE is the interconnection of those panels, especially for composite materials. Even the most high-tech industries are forced to manufacture and test several prototypes, because the actual performance of interconnection techniques is unpredictable. A major factor is also the lack of interaction between material engineers, mechanical engineers, and electromagnetic engineers. The SE of a complex structure is only as good as its weakest point, therefore it needs to be characterized to expose the bottlenecks and adapt its design to balance and optimize the performance overall. This DR focuses on the characterization of various interconnect types that will serve as a tool for estimating and optimizing the SE following the steps: modelling, validation, correction, and conversion to parameters usable by industry depending on the application ranging from small full-metal, composite, and embedded plastic structures, interfaces, feedthroughs, to complete ships, rooms, or buildings, including monitoring the effects of breaching, corrosion, and deterioration over time. For more information about the PARASOL project, click here

• You are a highly motivated, enthusiastic and curiosity-driven researcher;
• You have, or are about to get, a master's degree in electromagnetic compatibility, telecommunications, electromagnetics or a related field;
• You have a background in physical electronics, analytical mathematics and simulation;
• You are an excellent teammate in an enthusiastic and hardworking group of scientists and engineers working on a joint assignment;
• You are creative, like to push boundaries, and are highly motivated to address major science challenges in EMC;
• You are proficient in English and able to collaborate intensively with industrial and academic parties in regular meetings and work visits.

• As a PhD student at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment;
• The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues;
• 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 € 2.541,- (first year) to € 3.247,- (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;
• Free access to sports facilities on campus
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);
• You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;
• We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.