Postdoctoral Researcher in PCB Integrated Power Supply Design

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Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time fixed term position as a Postdoctoral Researcher in PCB Integrated Power Supply Design in Electrical & Electronic Engineering at the National University of Ireland, Galway.

This position is funded by a global ICT equipment manufacturer and is available from 1st September 2021 until the contract end date of 31st August 2022.

The post-holder will lead the design and development of a PCB integrated DC/DC converter, including magnetic components, based on PCB manufacturing capabilities to be defined by the industry partner. The role will include PCB integrated magnetic component and power electronic circuit design, prototyping and testing, as well as project management and liaison with engineering staff at the industry partner and PCB manufacturer. The post-holder will be based in the Power Electronics Research Centre in Electrical & Electronic Engineering at NUI Galway.

The Power Electronics Research Centre is based in a 60 m² facility in the Alice Perry Engineering Building at NUI Galway. The aim of the Centre is to foster links with industry by transferring technology from a strong research base in the University to the wider community.

Job Description:

The successful candidate will be responsible for the design of a PCB integrated transformer to be produced within a PCB integrated power supply with a view to reducing the overall power supply size. The role will involve high frequency PCB integrated magnetic component design and optimisation using FEA electromagnetic and thermal simulations, as well as equivalent circuit modelling and design of the associated power supply circuit. Developing a technical solution for use in high power density PCB integrated power supplies, s/he will liaise with R&D Engineering staff in the partner company and PCB manufacturer to develop a novel solution that can be produced within the manufacturing capabilities of the PCB company (to be identified by the funder). The post-holder will also take responsibility for project management, meeting appropriate milestones, timelines and deliverables. S/he will also support a team of postgraduate researchers working on a range of different projects in power electronics, with different technical requirements, and will be expected to contribute to the development of the host laboratory’s ongoing research programme.

Duties:

• Lead the development of a demonstrator PCB integrated power supply, including PCB integrated magnetic components, within a specified volume and within the manufacturing capabilities of a PCB manufacturer to be identified by the partner company. This includes design, modelling (electromagnetic, equivalent circuit, thermal), prototyping, testing and analysis of a PCB integrated transformer and associated power electronic circuitry;

• Apply project management skills to complete all project deliverables (reports, prototypes, testing, etc.) within the required time-frame;

• Liaise with the industry partner and PCB manufacturer;

• Contribute to the further development and evolution of the host laboratory’s research programme by identifying new and innovative research opportunities in PCB integrated magnetics and power supplies, and contributing to their development; 

• Actively participate in international conferences and meetings as required;

• Publish in high-impact journals as appropriate;

• Provide support and mentoring to post-graduate research students in the host research group;

• Engage in appropriate continuing professional development activities to support their own career development plans.

   

Qualifications/Skills required:

Essential Requirements:

• Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or equivalent.
• Applicants should have a PhD focussed on high frequency power electronics, including magnetic component design.
• Demonstrated expertise in high frequency magnetic component design, prototyping and testing.
• Demonstrated expertise in power electronics design, prototyping and testing, with good knowledge of PCB design.
• Knowledge of circuit simulation (PSPICE, PSIM) of power electronics and electromagnetic field modelling (FEA) of magnetic components.
• Experience of working in an academic research environment.
• Leadership capability, and experience in project management.
• Evidence of primary/senior authorship of peer-reviewed journal publications in relevant areas, or other equivalent output.

• ·        Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.

Desirable Requirements:  

• Experience of thermal modelling of power electronic components/circuits

• Experience of high power density PCB integrated magnetic component design

• Experience of liaising with industry on research projects

• Experience of mentoring students at undergraduate or graduate level (e.g. teaching/instruction, project supervision etc.)

• Capability to develop independent research activity.

Salary: €38,631 per annum

Start date: Position is available from 1st September 2021

Continuing Professional Development/Training:

NUI Galway provides continuing professional development supports for all researchers seeking to build their own career pathways either within or beyond academia.  Researchers are encouraged to engage with our Researcher Development Centre (RDC) upon commencing employment - see www.nuigalway.ie/rdc for further information.

Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI Galway

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie

Further information about the Power Electronics Research Centre is available at www.perc.nuigalway.ie ;

Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Dr. Maeve Duffy, email: [email protected]

To Apply:

Applications to include a covering letter, CV,and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to Maeve Duffy: e-mail [email protected]

Please put reference number NUIG-RES 148-21 in the subject line of the e-mail application.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm 11th August 2021

We reserve the right to re-advertise or extend the closing date for this post.

National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.

All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment

Applications to include a covering letter, CV,and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to Maeve Duffy: e-mail [email protected]

Please put reference number NUIG-RES 148-21 in the subject line of the e-mail application.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm 11th August 2021