PhD Position in Bidirectional Power Converter Design and Control for Data Centers

Introduction

Data centers are the backbone of the digital economy, but their exponential growth in energy consumption-driven by AI and machine learning workloads-demands transformative solutions. The next-generation of data centers will be based on Solid-State Transformer, which enables energy distribution with higher efficiency, grid-friendly data center operation and etc.

This PhD position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of power electronics, control systems, and grid integration, with direct collaboration with Delta Energy System GmbH, a global leader in power conversion for data centers. Your research will focus on power electronics converters for SST, focusing on the DC-DC stage.

Job Description

As a PhD candidate in the Electromechanics and Power Electronics (EPE) group at TU/e, you will with solid-state transformers (SST) for datacenter, focusing on the DC-DC stage. Your research will address the critical challenges of power density, efficiency, and grid stability in modern data centers, focusing on the converter design and advanced control/modulation strategies to achieve high performance and high controllability. Additionally, the design should be validate with experimental results. Your work will directly contribute to the sustainability of AI infrastructure by enabling data centers to efficiently integrate renewable energy sources, support grid stability, and reduce their carbon footprint. With access to cutting-edge tools and industrial collaboration, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of power electronics for data centers.

Job Requirements

• A master's degree (or equivalent university degree) in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, Control Systems, or a related field.
• A research-oriented attitude with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interest in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.

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

Required

• Demonstrated knowledge in power converter topologies (e.g., DC-DC, AC-DC, multilevel converters).
• Familiarity with control theory (e.g., classical control, state-space methods, model predictive control).
• Experience with simulation tools (MATLAB/Simulink, PLECS, or similar).
• Understanding of grid integration challenges (e.g., power quality, stability, renewable energy interfacing).

Advantageous

• Hands-on experience with prototyping and experimental validation of power converters.
• Affinity with embedded systems (DSP, FPGA) for real-time control implementation.

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. Discover what Light Up means to TU/e in our short company video .

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, l.costa@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.

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.