PhD Vacancy

KTH School of Electrical Engineering seeks a PhD student in Electromagnetic Engineering to fill an open position in the modeling of nanoparticles in insulating materials for improving breakdown strength.

Project description

This project requires a combination of electromagnetic understanding coupled to quantum effects to describe the electric field and charge dynamics in a solid state physics environment description of an insulator.

A high applied external voltage results in that the fields become nonlinear and the associated currents will be space charge limited. The influence of nanoparticles and the interface between host polymer matrix and the particle on the non-linear electrical properties is a little explored field of research, with interesting possibilities.

The PhD student will work in a project that has as a goal to understand the influence of nanoparticles in insulators in High Voltage applications. The project is in collaborations with industry within an Elektra project. The model will be validated towards existing experimental data. The project is truly cross disciplinary, aiming towards understanding the material properties in interaction with high electromagnetic fields. It will blend knowledge in solid state physics together with electromagnetic modeling, charge dynamics, chemistry and quantum mechanics. It has the potential to develop new theory, and to verify the theory towards existing experimental results.

A PhD employment at KTH can extend to up to five years, with about 80% of the time devoted to research and 20% to teaching duties.

Qualifications

• Master degree Science in one of the following areas: Engineering Physics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Material Physics or a corresponding degree;
• Master level knowledge in any of the following subjects is advantageous: solid state physics, electromagnetic theory, quantum theory and modeling, material fysik, electromagnetic scattering, nonlinear partial differential equations and computational electromagnetics;
• High motivation for doing research;
• Ability to work independently and in coordination with a team;
• Well-developed analytical abilities and endurance for solving demanding problems;
• Fluent in written and spoken English. Please include TOEFL score or equivalent to indicate level of English.

Application

Applications should be sent via email to:

0370@ee.kth.se

Please combine the application to one single pdf-file with possible scientific work at the end of the application, if possible.

Submission via regular mail: (if electronic submission is impossible)

Royal Institute of Technology KTH
School of Electrical Engineering
Att: Emma Johansson, Kansliet
Osquldas väg 10
SE-100 44 Stockholm
Sweden

Deadline for applications: Aug 15 2012

Please indicate reference number E-2012-0370 in the subject field.

Include the following documents written in English:

• Curriculum Vitae;
• University transcripts including grades and degree certificates of both Master and Bachelor degrees;
• Short statement of why the applicant applies for this position and to highlight relevant qualifications for this position;
• Other documents indicating excellence and are relevant for the position, e.g. master thesis, scientific articles, letters of recommendation, and references.

Further information

Contacts

Lars Jonsson, Docent
Phone: +46 8 790 77 32
lars.jonsson@kth.se

Hans Edin, Docent
Phone: +46 8 790 76 39
hans.edin@kth.se

Trade Union representative

Lars Abrahamsson, SACO
Phone: +46 8 790 70 58
lars.abrahamsson@ee.kth.se