PhD in High-Frequency Transformer Design and Partial Discharge Modeling for Data Centers

Introduction

Worldwide, we consume vast amounts of electricity, with data centers and compute currently accounting for more than 2% of global consumption. This share is growing exponentially year-over-year. Within a decade, compute could consume as much as 10%. Are you on board with us to embrace the challenge of designing next-generation power transformers for AI data centers? Are you our next PhD candidate to work on enablers of future compute — the high-frequency transformers?

The EPE group at TU/e seeks a motivated PhD researcher to advance the state-of-the-art in power electronics transformers (PETs) for data center applications. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of high-voltage engineering, high frequency transformer, and AI-driven design optimization, with direct industrial collaboration and real-world impact on the sustainability of AI infrastructure.

Job Description

You will enroll as a PhD candidate in the group of Electromechanics and Power Electronics (EPE) at TU/e, in close collaboration with Delta Energy System GmbH, a leading industrial partner in power electronics for data centers.

Your research will be concerned with developing high-frequency, medium-voltage transformer architectures supported by partial discharge (PD) modeling methodologies that enable >99.5% efficiency, >10kV operation, and tens fold copper reduction compared to conventional designs. Your research will directly address the power density and efficiency challenges faced by modern data centers powering AI and machine learning workloads.

You will aim at advancing the state-of-the-art in solid state transformers for data center applications. This includes designing high-frequency transformer architectures with novel insulation concepts, prone to high voltage stresses and endure the accelerated ageing through developing predictive models for partial discharge behavior, and validating designs through simulation and experimental testing. The goal is to create transformers that achieve unprecedented efficiency, power density, and reliability for AI infrastructure.

You will have access to state-of-the-art simulation tools (ANSYS Maxwell, COMSOL) and high-voltage testing facilities. Research results will contribute to making AI data centers more sustainable by dramatically improving the efficiency and power density of their power delivery systems. With data center energy consumption growing exponentially due to AI/ML workloads, your research has direct impact on reducing the carbon footprint of digital infrastructure.

Job Requirements

• A master's degree (or equivalent university degree) in Electrical Engineering, Electromechanics, Power Electronics, High-Voltage Engineering, or a related field
• A research-oriented attitude with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability, with demonstrated experience, to work in an interdisciplinary team and interest in collaborating with industrial partners and other stakeholders
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level or equivalent)

Based on our candidate assessment, the following skills are valuable:

Required

• Demonstrated kowledge in the physics of transformers, magnetism. Familiarity with numerical tools (ANSYS Maxwell, COMSOL, or similar). Knowledge of mathematics behind Finite Element Method, and manipulation of custom numerical toolboxes is a strong asset
• Affinity with high-voltage engineering, fundamentals and insulation system understanding.
• Understanding of power electronics and transformer design principles

Advantageous

• Experience with partial discharge phenomena and measurement equipment, and other PD peculiarities.
• Knowledge of basic ML methods and accompanying tools such as (Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch) for predictive modeling.
• Familiarity with multiphysics strong and/or weak coupling.
• Hands-on experimental validation experience in high-voltage laboratories.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station.

In addition, we offer you

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities , scale P (min. € 3,204 - max. € 4,051 gross base salary per month (full-time)).
• In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.
• As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process .
• An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme ) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment . Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here .

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile, do not hesitate to apply directly through our web platform. For additional information please contact:

• dr. Levy Costa, Project leader, l.costa@tue.nl .
• dr. Mitrofan Curti, Direct supervisor, m.curti@tue.nl .

Visit our website for more information about the application process . You can also contact HRServices.ee@tue.nl .

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video .

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• A factual, position-focused curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines .
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.