Work environment
The future of mobility is evolving. How do we contribute to this transformation? Volkswagen manufactures vehicles in 14 countries and delivers them to customers in more than 150 markets worldwide. Electromobility, smart mobility, and digital transformation are at the core of our future strategy. For millions of people, Volkswagen represents mobility, not only today but also tomorrow. Become part of this journey and help shape the mobility solutions of the future with your curiosity and innovative ideas. You will join a diverse and highly motivated team that supports your professional development and enables you to unlock your full potential. As a PhD candidate in Power Electronics Development, you will work on exciting and challenging topics at the forefront of automotive technology. Scientific interest in the application of wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductor devices, particularly gallium nitride (GaN) transistors, in traction inverter systems has increased significantly in recent years. Thanks to their outstanding characteristics, such as low on-state resistance and high switching speeds, GaN HEMTs enable highly compact power converters with increased integration levels and power density, making them a key technology for future electric vehicles. Take the opportunity to advance electromobility at Volkswagen and contribute directly to the development of next-generation electric drivetrain systems.
Possible tasks within this role
Investigating and evaluating various gallium nitride device technologies for application in automotive traction inverters
Collaborating with semiconductor and power module manufacturers for technology characterization and performance assessment
Designing, implementing, and validating automotive-grade gate-driver and device-protection concepts for GaN-based traction inverters
Developing system integration concepts focusing on high power density, low parasitic inductance, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), thermal management, and overall converter performance
Developing, testing, and characterizing a prototype demonstrator to validate the proposed concepts and design approaches
The final doctoral topic is defined together with the professor. The prerequisite for the cooperation is the confirmation of supervision as well as a confirmed delimitation of topics by the professor of a university or research institution entitled to confer a doctorate.
Qualification requirements
Good to very good university degree qualifying for doctoral studies in Electrical Engineering or a related field
Solid knowledge of power electronics and electric drive systems
Experience with MATLAB/Simulink, LTspice, or comparable circuit simulation tools, as well as PCB design and layout software
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and proactively, combined with a high level of motivation and commitment
Excellent communication and teamwork skills in an interdisciplinary environment
The following documents must be submitted with the application
Curriculum Vitae
Current transcript of records / Master’s or Diplom degree certificate
Keywords
dissertation, concept validation, inverter design, wide-bandgap semiconductors, silicon carbide (SiC), power modules, high-voltage systems, electric drives, automotive powertrain
Attractive salary & 30 vacation days (+ 24.12. and 31.12. off)
35-hour week, flexible working hours, remote work
Special conditions for the purchase and leasing of vehicles
Free seminars on scientific work and interdisciplinary qualifications
Participation in the doctoral network for scientific exchange with science representatives and other doctoral candidates within the Volkswagen Group
The gross monthly salary for this position, based on a 35-hour workweek and scaled according to the respective year of employment, is €3,030 (1st year), €3,194 (2nd year), and €3,497 (3rd year). In addition, there is a monthly allowance of €167 as well as a 49% share of the variable bonus.
Contact person for this posting: Fabian Wenzel
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