Using SiC switches and smart power modules in electric vehicles (EVs) can significantly improve the efficiency and performance of the vehicle's power electronics systems. SiC switches offer lower switching losses and higher temperature tolerance compared to traditional silicon-based switches, which can result in higher efficiency and power density of the EV's inverter. Smart power modules integrate power semiconductor devices, gate drivers, protection circuits, and other components in a compact package, which can simplify the design and reduce the size and weight of the EV's power electronics system. By incorporating SiC switches and smart power modules in EVs, manufacturers can improve the vehicle's range, acceleration, and overall performance while reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

State-of-the-art power modules have significant shortcomings that limit the maximum energy efficiency and the lifetime of SiC power MOSFET semiconductors. This is a roadblock for smart, safe and green e-mobility. With our unique semiconductor ecosystem shared between a major semiconductor company and TU Delft, we are convinced that these roadblocks can be removed with research aimed at finding new key differentiating technologies.

The Ph.D. candidate will work on a multidisciplinary project and different sciences such as packaging, device, microelectronics, and power electronics.  As a member of a big team, he/she will work with different scientists and engineers in different fields. The aim of this research is “Implementing Smart SiC Power Modules for the Automotive Energy Transition.

This Ph.D. will perform in two phases:

Phase 1- In the first phase of this research, the Ph.D. candidate will work with the device and packaging group to extract the features and provide an electrical model of the new SiC switches.

Phase 2- In the second phase of this research, the designed SiC power module will be used to implement a high-power inverter for electric vehicle applications. 

The candidate should have an MSc degree in electronics engineering with experience in power electronics circuits.

The candidate should have a very good background in device modeling, reliability, and power electronics.

The candidate needs to have good experience with the implementation of high-power inverters. Familiarity with SiC-based power electronics systems, EV applications, and thermal management strategies is a plus.

The candidate must be familiar with device feature extraction for lifetime evaluation, fault tolerance and reliability issues.

Basic knowledge of integrated circuit design is highly appreciated, although not a must.

Experience with simulation tools such as SPICE, PCIM or PLECS, ANSYS or COMSOL, and MATLAB/Simulink.

The candidate should be highly self-motivated and able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team. Good communication skills in English, both written and oral, are essential.If you feel this role would be a perfect match, but you cannot yet tick all the boxes, we’d still really like to get to know you, as you can learn and grow on the job!  

Additional information

In The Netherlands, almost all PhD positions are linked to funded research projects. This has several implications:

• PhD students are employed: they receive a salary rather than a grant. Most projects have a duration of 4 years.

General requirements

We make our selection based on the following general requirements:

• Formal requirements regarding prior education: you should have earned an MSc degree at a recognized institute for higher education.
• Background: this depends on the specific project.
• Excellence: your Grade-Point-Average should be above 8 (10). Also your MSc thesis should have received a grade above 8 (10). (3.3 on the 4.0 scale)*
• English: you should be able to communicate well in English (written and oral). Provide TOEFL/IELTS scores if available.
• Originality: your MSc thesis or later work (publications) should reflect some original ideas. Critical and independent thinking is very important.
• Team player: you should be able to work well in a team of other project members.

Your resume should contain contact information of prior advisors/supervisors who can provide feedback.   

*competitive applications without an MSc might be considered upon extra review

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.