Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our universities community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. www.tuni.fi/en 

The Doctoral School of Industry Innovations (DSII) at Tampere University (TAU) explores research questions that are directly relevant for industry and business. Tampere University hires a Doctoral Researcher to complete a four-year, company-sponsored dissertation project under the joint supervision of a university professor and a company representative. 

The sponsoring company for this position is ABB, a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. Its converters power variable speed drives, electric vehicle charging stations, wind turbines and locomotives. DSII offers Doctoral Researchers a unique opportunity to undertake dissertation research, gain a thorough understanding of product development, tackle real-world business challenges and expand their professional networks.

Job description

The purpose of the job is to create new knowledge for academia and industry in the field of power electronics. The goals are:

1. Development of optimal modulation methods for medium-voltage variable speed drive systems.  
2. Development of software tools that will facilitate the previous goal.   

As a Doctoral Researcher you will first develop and test the modulation methods in a simulation environment such as Matlab. In a second step, the methods will be implemented in a hardware-in-the-loop simulator. Finally, they will be run on a low-voltage lab prototype. The results will be disseminated in scientific peer-reviewed journals, international conferences, doctoral network events and events with industry.

At the university, the work will be supervised by Assistant Professor Dr. Petros Karamanakos, while the company’s supervisor will be Dr. Tobias Geyer. You will also be supported by practitioners in the steering committee, including company representatives. 

The tasks of all Doctoral Researchers may include teaching duties that amount to approximately 5% of their annual working hours, unless there are justified reasons to the contrary.

Requirements

You need to have an applicable higher university degree in electrical engineering, or a related discipline in science or engineering. A strong interest in mathematics and optimization (e.g., mathematical optimization methods with a focus on nonconvex optimization) is very important. Moreover, experience in at least one of the following is highly appreciated: power electronics (power converters, variable speed drive systems), modulation methods (space vector modulation, optimized pulse patterns), embedded programming, and microprocessors. You also need to have an enquiring mind, enjoy problem-solving and be able to think independently while also being able to work in a team. A good command of English, both in writing and in oral presentations, is required.

Successful candidates must be pursuing or should be accepted to study towards a doctoral degree in computing and electrical engineering. Please visit here for more information on eligibility requirements.

What we offer

The position will be filled for a fixed-term period of four (4) years, commencing in November 2021 or as soon after that as possible. A trial period of six (6) months applies to all our new employees.

The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee’s personal performance in accordance with the salary system of Finnish universities. According to the criteria applied to teaching and research staff, the position of a Doctoral Researcher is placed on level 2 – 4 of the job requirements scale. A typical starting salary for Doctoral Researchers is approximately 2400 EUR/month and it will increase during the studies depending on the progress (up to about 3000 EUR/month).

We are inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, active and truly international research community. Our research group ”Power Electronic Systems” at the Unit of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences of the Tampere University focuses on the development of modulation and control techniques for power electronic systems. We work at the intersection of power electronics, optimal control, mathematical programming, and embedded systems. Our vision is to develop software solutions that fully utilize the capability of the power electronic hardware by operating the system close to its physical limits, with main applications being variable speed drives and grid-connected converters.

The University has a strong commitment to the highest level of scientific research and the provision of high-quality doctoral education. The faculty as well as the Doctoral School of Industry Innovations support the doctoral students by offering training and peer support. Doctoral students in DSII develop a strong set of skills, enabling them to conduct agile, customer-oriented research, development and business. The University offers a wide range of staff benefits, such as occupational health care, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities on campus and several restaurants and cafés on campus with staff discounts. Please read more about working at Tampere University. 

Tampere is one of the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries and offers a dynamic living environment. Tampere region is one of the three most rapidly growing urban areas in Finland and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society. For more information on Tampere, please visit here.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. A guide on how to leave an application is found here.

The deadline for applications is 8 August, 2021  (23:59 EEST / 21.59 UTC). 

Please write your application and all the accompanying documentation in English and attach them in PDF format.

Please attach only the following documents to your application: 

• A letter of motivation and description of your research interests (max. 1 A4 page)
• Curriculum vitae according to the TENK template  (including the contact details of two referees).
• List of publications
• Transcript of records (master's degree studies).

For further information, please contact:

Assistant Professor Pertos Karamanakos, petros.karamanakos (at) tuni.fi

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Tampereen yliopisto ja Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu muodostavat yhdessä Suomen toiseksi suurimman monitieteisen, innostavan ja vaikuttavan tutkimus- ja oppimisyhteisön. Korkeakouluyhteisömme osaamiskärjet ovat tekniikka, terveys ja yhteiskunta. Lue lisää: www.tuni.fi

Teollisuuden innovaatioiden tohtorikoulu (DSII) on ainutlaatuinen tapa yhdistää väitöskirjatutkimus, yritysten liiketoimintahaasteiden ratkaiseminen, ammatillisten verkostojen luominen ja innovaatiotyöhön perehtyminen. Tampereen yliopisto palkkaa tohtorikoulutettavan neljäksi vuodeksi projektiin, jonka rahoitukseen yritys osallistuu. 

Hakuohjeet

Lue tarkemmat tiedot tehtävästä ja hakuohjeet yllä olevasta englanninkielisestä ilmoituksesta. 

Hakuaika tehtävään päättyy 8.8.2021, klo 23:59. Jätäthän hakemuksesi yliopiston sähköisellä hakulomakkeella (linkki löytyy tämän ilmoituksen alta). Ohjeen hakemuksen jättämiseen löydät täältä. 

Lisätietoja

Assistant Professor Pertos Karamanakos, petros.karamanakos (at) tuni.fi